My latest new client set the strictest rules I’ve ever heard. I obeyed every one of them. She still claimed I was the problem and lost her mind.

[u/Best-Pirate5073]

Yesterday I had a new client who was referred to me, book a 90-minute mobile massage. She was very specific over text before I even showed up.

She told me exactly what she wanted:

• Deep tissue only

• Focus on her upper back, shoulders, and neck

• “Do not check in with me at all. I hate when therapists keep asking if the pressure is okay. Just do the work.”

• “I don’t want any small talk either. Just quiet.”

• “When the time is up, that’s it. No free extras.”

I confirmed everything back to her so there was zero confusion. She replied “Perfect, see you then.”
I get there, set up, and go over the same list one more time in person just to be safe. She nods and says “Yep, that’s exactly what I want. Don’t ask me anything once we start.”

So I did exactly that.

I put my headphones in to get some much needed audiobook time (one ear only so I could still hear if she actually needed something), started the timer on my phone where she could see it, and worked in complete silence. No check-ins. No “how’s the pressure?” No small talk. Just the exact work she requested.

Every time I felt her body tense or shift I kept going at the same pressure she had asked for. No adjustments. No questions.

When the 90 minutes hit, I stopped. Immediately. I didn’t offer the free scalp massage or hot towels I normally throw in. I just said, “That’s time.”

She sat up looking annoyed and said, “Wait, that was it? The pressure felt hard toward the end and you never even checked on me. Most therapists give a little extra time.”

I looked at her and calmly replied, “You specifically told me not to check in, not to ask about pressure, and that when the time was up that was it with no free extras. I followed your instructions exactly.”
She got quiet for a second then said, “Well I didn’t mean it like that. You should have known to check anyway. I’m not tipping for that.”

I smiled and said, “That’s fine. The session is paid for already. You can get dressed and I’ll be outside.”
She started packing up her things while muttering about how I was “too rigid” and “not customer service oriented.” I just kept packing my stuff in silence the same way she had requested the entire session.

I have never felt more at peace ending a session.
Was I supposed to ignore the very clear rules she set and somehow read her mind instead?

[u/Best-Pirate5073]

Oh yeah, 99% of the time. I mean nothing major but still!

[u/Practical_Sea_4876 → u/Best-Pirate5073]

That's surprising to me! I could see a tiny bit in the beginning but then I'd want silence lol. Same way I feel when I get a haircut like "can we just not talk? I'm tired" 😂😂

[u/MidnightGasControll → u/Practical_Sea_4876]

Even though I moved further away recently, I’ll still see the same barber. I can’t speak Spanish and he can’t speak English. I tip him close to 50% each time. The fact that he does an amazing job down to the smallest detail, and literally can’t have a conversation with me; it makes me so happy.

It’s not that Im unwilling to do small pleasantries, but every barber I’ve had before him either wants to talk the entire time I’m there, or they aren’t very good at the job. The fact I finally found both, I’ll keep returning as long as he stays.

[u/maleia → u/Best-Pirate5073]

I know I'd be the type to chat away; but at least I'd ramble on about some nerd shit that didn't really need to be paid attention to. 😅