Am I Wrong For Becoming Too Close With My Families?

[Shell]

YOU do what works for YOU until it no longer works for YOU....kwim?

Most of us that have done this a long time know that ^^^ to be true.

Most of us that have done this a long time have rules or policies because of a negative past experience.

I know for me personally, my rules are my rules for ME.

I listed several things I used to do that I no longer do in another thread.

I stopped doing a lot of those things when they started to cause me MORE stress than it was worth.

ONLY you know what things are right for YOU and YOUR business.

no do what works for you

just be careful and keep to business as usual- have the attitude of we can be friends but when it comes to my business, my business is my income- I don't go to your job and make demands or expect special don't do that to me-

and keep in mind if a client leaves on not so good terms most likely the friendship will end-

I think if you keep your working relationship all business and don't mix it with the friendship end you will be good to go- and make it clear from the start with your clients. Yes I know we are friends, but when it comes to my job I take it serious and I expect you to follow the same rules as everyone else, this is my income.

best-

Isn't that the truth! Learned that one the hard way...

[renodeb]

I can so relate to your post. I would caution you against becoming to close.
Example: I friend all of my dc parents on facebook so they can view and like my dc page where I post pics of there kids. I had this one mom who left me because she claims she couldn't afford me anymore, at first I thought it would be fine to stay fb friends with her so I could see the child. (he was only a month old when he started and stayed her until he was almost a year) Not even a week after she left I saw her post a picture of expensive running shoes that she had bought, then in the days to come she would post about shopping trips she would go on or a trip she went on. Now remember she said she could afford me, she even said (with tears) that she had bills in collections. I finally decided to unfriend her because he business relationship was over and with in days of that she texted me and asked why I unfriended her. I played it off like it was a mistake and refriended her out of guilt. I should of never friended her again. It bugs me to look at her posts. The other day she posts a video of her 16 m/o chewing gum!!!!!!
I have a provider friend who goes to all of her dc kids sports and even to dinners and bday parties. (I don't do that) Her theory is that if there gonna be in our business she should be in theres. Not the approach I use at all. It's hard to loose a child you have had for so long but it happens. I have a very solid bound with my kids and thats good, there are clients that I have gotten veyr close to and others that are more business like. I appreciate each personality. I have found that the more business like relationships aren't as hard to deal with when it comes to enforcing policies. I think it's easy to blur the line between friendship and business. Just don't become a door mat!

[NightOwl]

I totally understand. I have a suggestion for you regarding the unwanted Facebook posts. There's an option somewhere on her Facebook where you can stop seeing her posts but still remain "friends". I think you uncheck an option that says "show in newsfeed". At least you won't have to see her posts anymore. And maybe she couldn't afford you anymore or keep her bills out of collections because she has a spending problem!