This is simply a matter of generosity. Last year when on the same flight as my sister (who flies rarely), I got my U/G and she was in coach. She had never flown F before and when I gave her my seat in F she was thrilled. The FA's brought drinks to me in 9B and Sis told everyone in the world what a great sister she had. I was delighted to do something so easy that gave her such pleasure.
Pinky's friend had the opportunity to make his GF happy and did not take it. The questions are, did he not realize how much she would enjoy it? Did he not care? Or is his comfort more important to him than doing something generous for her? Either way, GF should think about what this behavior means for the future.