ApexNomad

If we’re going to use your analogy, am I expected to guide the inexperienced restaurant on how much to charge for catering my wedding? Based on what—my status as a regular customer? This is about a professional service, where there’s an existing relationship between provider and client. While it’s understandable if a provider is uncertain about rates for a new service, the expectation should still be that they can engage in a straightforward, professional conversation about pricing. Especially when it’s a regular client—my expectation is that pricing should be discussed openly instead of letting the client walk.

Too much responsibility on the provider to expect them to know their rates for their own business? This is fundamental to any professional service—knowing your worth and being able to discuss it confidently with clients. And not just a new client—a regular client! It doesn’t get any more basic than that.

So as mature, reasonable adults, have the discussion together. Don’t laugh at the client and let him walk—he’s a regular. Talk it out like professionals in real time. I’m sure they can come to a mutually agreeable resolution.

This isn’t about treating anyone with disdain—it’s about the basic expectation that if you’re offering a professional service, you should be prepared to discuss your rates. That’s not unreasonable, especially with a regular client. But if you want to talk about disdain, perhaps we should take a moment to audit your own responses—particularly how you refer to out-of-shape gay men.

Cyndi Lauper in Threepenny—even the chairs were trying to leave the theater!

Did his face match the body of the picture in his ad, that apparently dates back to 2015 and is on numerous other sites (see post above)? Perhaps a FaceTime call to alleviate any concerns? (That body does not look 18 to me.) Be careful.

I absolutely love this story and desperately need a Part 2. I think you should call him up and ask if he can inspect your existing solar panels—just to make sure they’re in good working order, of course. And while you’re at it, casually drop, “What other services do you provide?” The fact that you made him a PBJ, filled his water bottle, and gifted him a Powerade has hearts written all over it. This is basically the Hallmark version of a door-to-door sales romance. Make it happen, Purplekow. You can do it! One tiny little thing I would have done differently—two texts in one day? The next day no less? That may have been a bit much.

Sadly, this statement seems to do the opposite of what it intends—unintentionally fueling speculation and raising more questions rather than shutting them down. Saying there was no “indication” of foul play or suicide suggests he was likely home alone when this “simple yet tragic” accident occurred—a rather odd and somewhat contradictory phrasing. The mention of industry stigma only draws attention to rumors that may not have even existed. A cleaner, more direct statement focusing on his life and legacy, rather than preempting speculation, would have been far more effective.

You’re absolutely right! I remember the first time I saw the production—I’m going back at least 30 years—there were audible gasps in the audience at the end! It was breathtaking.

Yes, she was giving something… but it wasn’t good. Are you insane? Probably. But I like you anyway! 😘

You are some friend, let me tell you. The cast should have been electric—Alan Cumming, Lauper, Jim Dale, Ana Gasteyer, John Cullum, Michael C. Hall—but instead, it was nails on a chalkboard. Lauper was so bad I was hoping her understudy would come on during the first act before I left during intermission. It was like putting together a dream team and then watching them trip over their own brilliance. I can see that about Sunset. I just really appreciated that it was a different spin on the material.

That sounds like quite the encounter! How did he respond to your dinner offer? Also, how did he casually drop the “I’m a Christian” news? Was it while discussing solar panels, or did he start with the “I’ll pray for your home energy efficiency” pitch? As a fellow Christian, I can assure you that our thoughts are as sinful and unpure as anyone else’s.

It’s certainly possible, sure. But even if that were the case, it doesn’t change the fact that he committed to plans, knowing the schedule in advance, and then backed out at the last minute. With a regular client no less. Regardless of the reason, professionalism matters. If he had a change of heart, he should have communicated that well in advance.