Have you ever had a client that you recognized from the "real" world?  for example.....I know you, you are my Dr.   or    Aren't you xxx's husband?

Or

Have you ever run into a client in an awkard place such as with their SO?

Yes!  And thankfully it wasn't too bad.  It was at a professional conference and we both were representing our respective companies, what a hoot! The zen art of non-recognition comes in handy at such moments.  If you deal with a certain level of cultured clientele, they have no interest in upsetting your apple cart lest you upset theirs.

It might be a different story if it was in a professional context in which I would have to work with, hire or get hired by him.  Hmm...that could be an interesting exercise of leverage.  But, considering everything at stake for everyone, would more likely turn into a situation of heads buried in sand on the entire topic, conveniently unmentioned but probably screaming under the surface.

I once saw a gentleman I've seen some months ago walking towards me in the opposite direction on 52nd street and Park in New York.  We stood for a second, he tipped his hat, and said "the odds are one in a million, my dear."  We smiled, and kept walking.  It was priceless.

Juliet

I've never had a gentleman from the real world show up.  I have seen clients in public places such as the state fair or restaurant.  I don't wave or make it noticable that we know each other until they do so first.  I want to be discreet for both of us.

I get a lot of people in the medical field.. and they are so amused. I usually get free work done. Who says we don't get Benefits?
(dentist, chiropractor, etc)

Of course since I also take references... it may happen some day.

I've never run into a client in an awkward place, though was recognized by the Mac repair person as well as by a customer in the store.  They properly emailed me later to say hello instead of mentioning it at the store.

Another time a clueless client ran after me down the street yelling my work name... I chose not to respond.
: P

I've not ever had a gent I know show up for an appointment since I screen, so I'd know ahead of time, *but* I have had two that I can remember show up from the local news and a commercial for a for local businesses. That was weird, I didn't say anything to them to make them nervous.

A few times I have seen clients out by themselves and once with what looked to be his wife, and the ones who were alone I made eye contact and nodded my head like you would to any person passing by. Both times they just smiled gratefully, sort of like "whew, thanks for not putting me in an awkward position." The married one I completely ignored. All but one emailed to thank me for the discretion.

As I always say, "another job well done by your ordinance technician in the field"

xoxo,
Kate

1. was on a cross country flight with one......and tried to pull my baseball cap down over my throat so he would not notice me......which due to my seat being changed eventually did not work, he noticed me first we ended up sitting together and he bought me drinks.

2. Same trip....was in the airport saw a fav client. I PM'ed him when I got home and thanked him for not freaking out...he never even saw me.

3. Went to church sat on the second row, the preacher was in my in-call the next week. (I was VERY weirded out) will not repeat.

4. An ex-landlord I thought I knew who he was when he called, and told him who I was after I confirmed who he was. He thought the whole thing was funny.

5. Went out to dinner with a friend saw a client sitting across the room but facing me. He quickly finished his meal and left. He sent me a text message and was freaked out.

I once went out with a friend of mine to the underground downtown to do some shopping and we went to the train station to go home and i answered a call and proceeded to book an appointment, well the man on the phone actually only a few feet away and walked up to me to finish the conversation lol. i found it quite amusing, he was a charming and  attractive man, and where we we're going wasn't too far so he rode with us and so on... he said he recognized me from one of the magazines. it wss neat.

A time or two while I was out and they were with their wives or families. That's when I just give that little wicked look, have a gleem in my eyes and smile and move on. Discretion always.

I sometimes offer a waxing & massage special for the guys.  I have a couple of men that like I'm gentle with Brazilian waxing so they have recommended me to their wife.
I ask they tell their wife that's it a therapeutic massage not a sensual/erotic massage.  All have agreed except one, he is no longer a client.

Last October, I saw a client out by himself in the town that I live in. Made eye contact, nodded my head and kept on moving.

My first close call was through email. Luckily, I recognized the name and was able to make up an excuse to not be available.

My second experience, I actually got to the room. I didn't recognize his name because I never knew his real name. Everyone called him by a nickname. When I got to the room we were both like..."oh shit." But we talked and came to an agreement which has worked out fine every since.

I have run into clients while eating in a restaurant, at Sam's Wholesale Club, and even on a job interview. I just pretend like I don't even know they are there or that they are part of the hobby. That is how I would like to be treated were it me that was spotted unknowingly.