At a spa I previously worked at, I had a client who I figured out was a bookie. The other therapists didn’t like to work with him or flat out refused. They claimed he was rude. When he arrived he would be talking on his phone and text during most of the session. When he left, he was usually on his phone, decline the after massage offer of a glass of water, and not schedule a follow up appointment. But none of that bothered me. And knowing everyone disliked him, I told the receptionist if I was available when he calls, to put him on my roster. After I got to know him, I joked with him about his line of work. He didn’t admit to being a bookie, but he didn’t deny it either.

Rather than cut this man off like most of my coworkers, I chose to see his worth. It was better to take the appointment and be paid then have an open hour and get nothing. I don’t agree with illegal gambling, but that is between him, his conscience, and the IRS. I also found Bookie Guy easy to work with. The texting wasn’t an issue for me because it kept him quiet and I could focus on my work. And there were times where he put his phone away and went to sleep. I think the spa was one of the few places he could go to get some peace and quiet. Plus he tipped in cash. That was always a bonus.

Scrolling through social media I see many posts and heated arguments between people threatening to severe ties with one another if they don’t agree with everything they stand for or behave how they think you should. I don’t get it. Because if I refused to associate with people who’s lifestyle I didn’t agree with, I would have very few clients and very few friends. For that reason, I’m willing to be tolerant and coexist with all kinds of people.