The ‘difficult’ client (previous post) has become demanding, dominant, lacking in integrity and passive-aggressive … among other non-cooperative and manipulative behaviours.

So, in an effort to begin to right the uncomfortable, used & abused feelings that have been coming up for me with ‘the difficult client’ (from a previous post) I sent an email to outline that, at our next scheduled appointment, I wanted to reiterate our original agreement. And that I wanted her to come prepared to deliver on a commitment that we made at the beginning – nearly 6 months ago!

1st email back from her – “No. You need to be patient with me. You need to not pressure me – after all I am the one who is in need of help. You are the professional. Essentially, you need to do what ever I need because, since you are in the role of professional, I am therefore, vulnerable to your authority. Suggesting that I make good on the commitment I made, stresses me”.

I responded by saying. “I think we see the situation quite differently. Let’s talk when we get together. May the Blessing Be”.

2nd email back from her – “This is not an argument, but a statement. I need to know that you put my well-being ahead of everything. You need to be patient with me.”

I responded by saying. “I think, even more now, we see the situation quite differently. Let’s talk when we get together. May the Blessing Be”.

3rd email back from her – “There will be no discussion. Period. The subject is closed.

Steam is now coming out of my ears. Fire out of my nostrils. I am Not (at that time) in my higher Self! (Nor do I want to be.) With great difficulty I go about my day of work, and errands …

When I return back to my office there is yet another email back from her (4th email) – “A conflict has arisen and I will not be available for our next appointment.”

The bottom dropped out of my belly and I screamed (to God) about the injustice of this passive-aggressive, user, transparent, reneger person … and a whole other string of nasty thoughts. Then … I realized that, once again, God knows what it is doing.

(This individual had (until today), access to sensitive business information in another of our companies – separate from the BFR consulting that I am in the process of developing.) Though there were some niggly concerns before, there wasn’t clear-cut evidence of questionable ethics. Now that there is undeniable examples, I pondered all day – how can I lose this person without putting us in jeopardy? To me, I can’t be sure of what she would and would not do … given how she is behaving.

Before I’d hardly had a chance to create a win:win exit strategy … hahaha – while I was out doing errands for a few hours, God arranged things so ‘she took herself out!!! Interesting. Cool. Astonishing.

I’ve learned some strong lessons from this person. And I am reminded of my favourite Tony Robbins words – Trust in God and tie up your camels! (God has my back. I need to take the time to forge protocols and policies before taking on any new clients.) Funny. And I had begun to think I knew what I was doing. Duh!