Thanks for all the responses. As it turns out, I do pick the choices that I feel my character would make, regardless of what I think the companion will think of it. I was just curious how much of an impact it had when they 'disapproved' if any. I also have a couple of friends that were concerned as well. I'm no stranger to 'gift-spamming'.

If a companion disapproves of a conversation choice you make, does that offer less influence or the same influence as compared to approval? I know the easy answer is 'less', because that seems intuitive, but I was hoping they'd let you make whatever conversation choices you wanted for your character without having to tailor the answers for what you think your companion will like in the interest of leveling them. Basically, looking for real numbers here, not just hunch guesses. Thanks!