My number one rule when working with a client, and sorting items for disposal is NEVER, NEVER throw anything out without the client’s permission.
Why then, at home do I sometimes not follow the same rules? What is the difference? Nothing . . . absolutely nothing! Everyone’s personal possessions are theirs, and it is only their decision to let go of something.
My husband, Dean, was recently a victim of my “taking liberties” And so the story goes . . .
My husband is a huge lover of t-shirts, especially those with motorbike references. We have been married for 21 years and the fact is, he still has t-shirts that are more than 21 years old in his wardrobe. The collars are desintergrating, there are numerous holes from where the fabric has completely worn away and originally black t-shirts now look a muddy, blotchy gray! How could he possibly need these, or want to wear them anymore? Why would he notice they are missing when I have all his newer t-shirts in a more visible position in his wardrobe? Apparently, like my daughters, he notices if anything has been moved or missing.
There was a heated discussion, and knowing my rules with clients, rightfully asked why I didn’t give him the same choices.
Hmmmm, he’s right. I should give him the same choices, and respect that I give me clients. After much discussion I discovered that he would have been completely OK if they had gone into the rag bag in the garage. Technically he would still have them, and they would serve a purpose. I also have to admit that he does wear them while doing the gardening or working on cars/bikes etc.
So, in the future I will no longer be “taking liberties” with Dean’s stuff . . . although you might want to stay tuned . . . why does anyone need hubcaps from a 1974 450SL Mercedes????
Yes, this is actually one of the offending t-shirts