My face was red when a client rearranged my centerpieces

Last month, I did flowers for a big office party. The client's helper would not leave me alone and kept pointing at every arrangement. She actually reached over and pushed some lilies down because she said they stuck out too much. It messed up the balance I had worked so hard to create. I had to fix it right there with people watching, which was super awkward. I bit my tongue to stay polite, but inside I was steaming. Do you ever get clients who won't let you do your thing? How do you nicely ask them to step back without causing a fuss?

3 comments

3 Comments

morgan_mason3mo ago

Imagine my disbelief when you said she pushed your lilies. That's like someone adjusting my wiring while I'm still working. To handle it, I'd say something like, "I need a clear space to fix this properly," which hints they should back off. It's tough staying polite when you want to tell them to leave you alone. Maybe next time, bring a helper of your own to run interference.

eva_garcia563mo agoTop Commenter

Have you ever seen those advice columns about keeping your cool when someone messes with your stuff? I read a thing once that said phrasing things as needs instead of complaints can stop arguments. @morgan_mason, your line about needing clear space is a perfect example of that, but does it always work on pushy people? I mean, what if they just ignore the hint and keep hovering? Maybe some folks just don't get subtle cues no matter how polite you are.

bettykim3mo ago

Was it really worth getting that upset over some moved lilies? Eva_garcia56 mentioned advice columns, but sometimes people just need to chill and let go of small stuff. Clients mess with things sometimes, so maybe pick your battles.

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