The moment I saw this hypothetical, I was stunned. Not so much by the question, but by the fact that I was struggling to come up with an answer in the moment. I was completely struck by my own thoughts, searching for a response. When I couldn’t think of one, I realized I might not be as quick on my feet as I thought I was—something I clearly need to work on, thoroughly.
A provider dropped this random question that read:
A client and a provider are in the elevator and someone the client knows walks in. Quick! What story do you make up?
When I saw this, I tried to get technical. A number of different scenarios ran through my mind as I tried my hardest to think of the most believable story a friend would buy. Then it hit me—this is something you have to come up with in the moment. If I stood there like a dumbass trying to figure something out, my friend wouldn’t believe a word I said. That leaves me dead in the water before I can even open my mouth—until, eventually (way longer than it should have taken), the simplest answer came to me.
Just pretend we don’t know each other. When that friend walks in, stop making eye contact with them and focus all your attention elsewhere, acting like your provider isn’t standing a foot away. That might be the most logical choice, but I think it’s unrealistic and doesn’t take certain variables into account—especially for us.
If you’re a client and the provider is as good as they are, you’re probably not going to be a full foot away from each other. The average elevator is about six feet wide, and a hotel elevator—the kind we’re most likely in—is about six to eight feet wide. I don’t know about you, but I’m usually pretty close with my provider, or at least close enough that it’s obvious we’re together. We’re not fucking in the elevator, but there’s still a sign of familiarity. And then there are the variables—what if you’re entangled with this provider? What if you’re married? What if you’re with a PS provider? All things worth thinking about.
I’ve heard of providers who are great in the moment, making up entire stories for the client in situations like this—which makes sense, given their profession. Still, it can’t all come from the provider. They don’t know the people you know.
A good client won’t let this happen. A good client won’t put themselves in the predicament of facing an impromptu interrogation. But these situations do happen, and we’re rarely ready for them. Staying on your toes before the hotel door closes behind you is no easy feat.
