There’s a certain kind of initial consultation I love.

It’s with people who own a business, understand finance, and appear to have some objectivity about what happened and is happening in their marriage.

They’re sophisticated, capable of analysis, and thoroughly in control of their environment.

They’re kind of mini-Masters of the Universe.

They get it. They seem to grasp the situation, and they quickly understand your explanations and answers.

You talk through a variety of scenarios, and they immediately grasp the concepts and economic realities. You get the impression that they’re going to be easy to work with, and you aren’t going to have endless discussions about toaster ovens or Snuggies.

The case moves along, progress is made, and you are approaching resolution.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, your sophisticated client freaks out. Total meltdown. Unexpected chaos.

What happened?

Your sophisticated client is human. You’re dealing with a human reaction to stress, distress, and change. It’s an expected and normal reaction, and you see it all the time.

But with this person, it’s surprising.

You’ve come to expect something different from this client because of the level of maturity, financial sophistication, and emotional objectivity.

You were mistaken. Appearances can be deceiving. Everyone is human. Everyone freaks out. With this client it’s unexpected, but it’s totally normal.

The meltdowns are harder on you when you don’t anticipate them.

Today, I’m reminding you to expect them. They’re coming. Even from this client.