Someone just told me that greentext (their first exposure) prevented the reader from connecting with the characters.

As a writer (and avide reader of only-) character driven, 1st-person POV works, this friend "couldn't do" greentext.

Another friend said it gives them a headache.
>Be me
>Be 17yo girl

"Well, I'm neither" they would reply
And stop reading because it made their head hurt too much.

What do you say in response to someone who "wants to connect with the characters" ?