It seems highly unlikely that such a person would never use a potion to get what he wants. We've seen Severus Snape give Barty Crouch Jr., Veritaserum 1 and make Wolfsbane for Professor Lupin ...

Snape's love for Lily is often considered obsessive and problematic, but there are hints in Harry Potter that his feelings have been misrepresented.

There are many instances in the series where it is Severus Snape himself who stands out as the best character.