3 signs you're in an abusive relationship- with your client.

We've all be there. The raging phone calls, the condescending emails, the red face emoji coming to life.

Here are warning signs to watch out for.

"Here, let me show you how to do your job"
Abuse Flag: He or she is always right. Just like any relationship, his/her way works better and is the way to do things. You'd think you've been hired under the premise that the client needs your insights because they actually don't know how to do your job but hey in the land of the blind the one eyed man shall lead.
Solution: "Let there be light" - Wait for the right moment. Allow the results of your approach show them the way. It's not always about the instant gratification, some just take longer to learn than others.

"What did you say? I can't hear you over how right I am"
Abuse Flag: Ever had that yearning for a mute button? What's that? You're too busy slamming your head against a wall in desolation. Oh don't. Really. They still can't hear you.
Solution: Hit the books. Find the case studies and then create your bullet proof rationales and pitches. Get people to review your view point, get them to argue with you. If your client is hooked to numbers, find the numeric evidence. Find your inner Newton!

"I need to be in on the loop for EVERYTHING"
Abuse Flag: No one respects diligence more than me. But ever had that feeling where you feel the hair behind your neck stand, the trickling seconds before an ambush? Not just an ambush, it's THAT ambush. Volatile, predictably, unpredictable kind?
Solution: Make CC your best friend in the whole wide world. CC the client, your team, Mark Zuckerburg and Cher in ALL communication. Even the most mundane of one line confirmation and smiley faces will have your client on CC. This way you always have room for "Oh, this update was on your email, let me RESEND"

Tongue in cheek aside, abuse is abuse, so have an open line of communication with your manager as to what is acceptable and what isn't early in the game & don't make it personal.