I used to have a massage client who was a Bookie. He would call the spa at the last minute for an appointment and when he arrived he would be talking on his phone and text during most of the session. When he left, he would be talking on his phone, decline the after massage offer of a glass of water, and not schedule a follow up. The other therapists thought he was rude and refused to work with him. But his behavior didn’t bother me. And knowing everyone disliked him and so there would be less grumbling, I told the front desk staff if I was available when he calls, to put him on my roster. Having more life experience then most of my coworkers, I figured out he was a bookie and that was the reason for his actions. I joked with him about being a bookie and even though he didn’t admit it, he didn’t deny it either.

Rather than cut this man off like most of my colleagues, 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 it was his life choice, not mine. Besides, there are people who can’t fathom why I am a Massage Therapist. They think it should bother me that I “touch people” for a living. But if you are a MT or get massage on a regular basis, you know that is not what it is. I also found Bookie easy to work with. The texting wasn’t an issue because it kept him quiet and I could focus on my work. There were also 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 he tipped in cash. That was always a bonus. Plus my boyfriend got a laugh over me coming home with stories about character clients. “The Bookie Guy” was one of them.

My point to all of this is a lot of people quickly sever ties if others don’t agree with everything they stand for or behave how they think you should. Scrolling through social media I see many posts and arguments how if you support this or that I’m gonna call you out or delete you. I don’t get it. But maybe I’m more willing to coexist and be tolerant.