I couldn’t believe it. I mean the guy was so arrogant that I thought he was kidding. I had a message from Dave who said he got our name from our client, Bob. Bob and I have always gotten along great. I wrote some of his insurance recently for a second home he purchased late last year. His plan was to rent it out and stay in his current home.
I called Dave back, thinking he was a referral for insurance from Bob. Yay! Love that.
But, no. Not at all. He said he was the realtor for Bob’s property that was in escrow and about to close but the buyer’s insurance agent was having problems getting the insurance secure.
This surprised me as I wasn’t aware Bob was selling his house. I hadn’t had any problems with getting the coverage placed and couldn’t imagine why another agent would.
“Oh? Bob is selling his house?” I asked. A most valid question.
He sighs. “I really don’t have the time or the patience to repeat myself. What did I say that wasn’t very clear? If you can’t understand me, then I’m afraid it’s a waste of my time to deal with you.”
WTF?
I stop. He can’t be serious, right?
Wrong.
“I beg your pardon,” I say. “I don’t think me asking to clarify what you are talking about is out of line…”
“If you can’t even understand one thing that I’m saying…”
“Yeah, well, you know what? I’m done here. Good luck with that property,” I say and hang-up. I would have said a bit more, but no matter how condescending this arrogant prick is, I am going to be professional. That doesn’t mean I roll over and let this dickless wonder be an asshole to me.
But what it does mean is I’m done talking to him.
I sit back and decide the best thing to do is call my client, Bob. He picks up the phone immediately.
“Susan!” he says. “How the hell are you? Wassup, girl?”
I laugh. “Hey Bob, I just got off the phone with Dave…”
“Oh God, what did he say?” he says, all very serious and concerned now.
“Ah! You know he’s an asshole then,” I say. Huge relief because I gotta tell you, anytime I’ve had an upset or disagreement in business, 99% of the time, it comes back that I’m overreacting, being too emotional, being a woman, and shit like that.
There have been times when I have grossly overreacted, did get emotional and even cried a few times. So I’ve learned to gather my thoughts, take a breath and communicate in an effective way without the hysterics.
It also helps that the client is cool and appreciates all the work I’ve done for him.
I tell him about the conversation and he’s furious at Dave. Apparently this is how Dave is and Bob has told him on a few occasions to tone it down.
“Well, Bob, my 2-cents is to get another realtor. God knows they are just like us insurance agents – on every street corner. You don’t need that crap in your life.”
“I’m so sorry, Susan. That was not cool and you don’t deserve that. I really appreciate all that you’ve done for me.”
That was nice. That made me feel better. Finally there was a man on my side. Finally there was someone who didn’t immediately judge that it was my fault because I’m packing a vagina.
“Bob, I’m a big girl. I’ve been in business a long time and I know that there are men like him who think they can talk to women like that. He just needs to grow up, come out of the 1950’s and take it like a man. Tell him to take a Midol, eat a pizza, watch some chick flicks with a heating pad and have some chocolate and wine.”
This caused both of us to laugh.
“My only concern is that the sale of your house goes well, so have the agent call me and let me help them with it. It ain’t no big deal,” I say.
And it isn’t.
“I’m going to call him and insist he apologize to you,” he said.
I almost cried because someone finally understood me.
I don’t know if he’ll ever call, but that’s OK. Dave can go on with his little life and prey on others that may not be able to stand up for themselves.
He picked the wrong #BadAss to mess with.
I can explain 