Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/72121
People with really long hair who come in for a massage and refuse to tie it up. PATTI FRADETTE CHICOPEE, MASSACHUSETTS My biggest pet peeves as a CMT have been the use of the terms masseuse or massage parlor. When anyone has referred to me as a masseuse, I never hesitate to take the opportunity to educate them by explaining how derogatory and offensive the term is. I have also explained the gender difference between masseuse and masseur to those who've interchanged them incorrectly. I politely inform them that I am a massage therapist. I have always been professional so as not to lose a potential client or rebooking. KATHLEEN ADAMS MODESTO, CALIFORNIA As an MT, my professional pet peeves are people who arrive late, people on cell phones during the massage, and clients who make advances. CECELIA REX PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA I absolutely despise when people think it's funny to make sexual references immediately after I tell them what it is that I do for a living. I also get angry when someone doesn't show up for an appointment, as if my time isn't as important as theirs. CHRISTY SWIATKOWSKI NIAGARA FALLS, NEW YORK ANSWERS FROM FACEBOOK The clients who move themselves into the position they think you're trying to get them into, when in fact you're doing something wholly different. XACH FROMSON When clients text during their session! Come on. BROOKE BOND-SPAULDING This question is a pet peeve of mine! Come on! We are in a profession of compassion and making someone feel better. They are paying us and it is their time on the table. If they want to chat, fine. If they want to be completely quiet, fine. They don't tip, fine. Every single client is different and that means we have to adapt to their needs. I'm convinced that some of my clients come to me because they need someone to listen to them and they know that what they say will not leave the room. And if that's what they need that day, then I did my job. I have a great satisfaction at the end of the day knowing that I made someone feel better for an hour out of their day. VICKI ADAMS MORGAN Upcoming Topics Teachers are inspirational figures. Tell us about a massage therapy instructor who changed your life. Deadline: February 15 Publication Date: May/June 2012 If you're complementing your massage career with other employment, what are you doing? And why? Deadline: April 15 Publication Date: July/August 2012 Please visit www.massageandbodywork.com or www.abmp.com to submit your answers, or email darren@abmp.com. Celebrate ABMP's 25th anniversary and you may win a refund on your membership. ABMP.com. 15