Question about an example in a test

Question

In the example below, why is it 'aprovechó' and not 'se aprovechó de'? It seems quite a negative context to me, and the context even seems to be leading us towards using the reflexive form by saying 'el muy egoísta'.

Rafa, [being] such an idiot, took advantage of the moment to break up with me. : Rafa, el muy egoísta, ___ la ocasión para romper conmigo.

Accepted Answer

Hi Adrian, In the sentence you mention, "Rafael, el muy egoista, aprovechó la ocasión para romper conmigo".Rafael took advantage (he made good use of/made the most of something) of the occasion, so we use the non pronominal form of the verb = aprovechar However, if he had taken advantage of his girlfriend (to take advantage of someone or something), as explained in the lesson, we would use the pronominal form of the verb 'aprovecharse', for example, Rafael se aprovechó de mí= Rafael took advantage of me/ he used me.
 
 
I do agree with you though, the sentence does have a negative connotation. Nevertheless, he is only 'taking advantage' of a situation, an occasion, rather than a person.
 
Un saludo
Clara