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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask if she overstepped the boundary or if I’m being unreasonable?

110 replies

Starinthesky1 · 28/03/2026 19:32

One of my clients (I’m a hairdresser) rang me out of the blue last night on my personal mobile (clients do have my mobile but they usually just ring the salon number and this particular client has never rang my mobile before so her number wasn’t saved in my phone so I just answered as it was a mobile number and didn’t know who it was at first) outside of work hours (she rang at 7pm) crying asking if I had time for a chat. I said I did and had a long chat with her, ended up on the phone for over 90 minutes. This isn’t a client I’ve previously been friends with, I do her hair but I mean we don’t have a friendship outside of that. She is basically having a tough time at the moment and could do with a friend/some support. I’m happy to support her but my DH thinks she overstepped the boundary because she’s a client and if I’m honest I did feel a bit uncomfortable at first when she called me last night but I am happy to support her. She has an appointment with me on Tuesday (she had this appointment booked before her call last night) so she could have spoke to me then too. Like I said, I am happy to support her but I do wonder if DH is right that she has possibly overstepped the boundary as I did feel a bit uncomfortable at first when she called. Has she overstepped the boundary or am I being unreasonable?

OP posts:
Maria971 · 28/03/2026 22:36

TheCurious0range · 28/03/2026 19:43

I think if she's so desperate to talk to someone she calls her hairdresser who isn't a friend and doesn't know her very well, I'd be quite concerned about her

This.

35965a · 28/03/2026 22:24

Your DH is right though, she is needy.

Scripturient · 28/03/2026 22:19

I think @Holdinguphalfthesky’s response is the best one.

Silverbirchleaf · 28/03/2026 22:14

I think she’s needy as well. She’s never contacted you before, is a virtual stranger, and yet she was on the phone to you for over an hour last night, and she’s already texting you this evening. Also, it’s the evening (well night now) and it’s the weekend, so double-whammy-outside hours. I know you mean well, and want to help, but in less than twenty four hours, she’s contacted you twice. How many of your regular friends have you had this much contact with?

godmum56 · 28/03/2026 22:12

I think there are two things going on here. I am not sating that the OP's husband has handled this well but I do think he might have a point.

Starinthesky1 · 28/03/2026 21:59

Just had a huge row with DH about this now because he’s come in (he’s been out with friends tonight at golf) and saw me texting on my phone and immediately asked who I’m texting and then when I said I’m replying to her he has then kicked off saying I need to “put boundaries in place” and tell her not to contact me again and DH isn’t happy because I’m saying to him I think she just needs a friend and I don’t want her to be alone with no one to talk to. DH keeps on calling her “needy” too which is annoying me because I don’t think she has come across as needy in my opinion or at least she hasn’t come across as needy to me yet I don’t think, he also says the fact she’s texting me “at this time in the evening” is “proof” that she’s “overstepping boundaries on purpose” (DH’s words not mine). DH has now stormed off upstairs

OP posts:
Silverbirchleaf · 28/03/2026 21:45

FMc208 · 28/03/2026 21:33

Listen to your instincts. You didn’t mind listening to her in her hour of need, your husband minded you doing it. Sounds like he’s the one who has overstepped your boundaries here.

I interpret it differently. I think the dh has issue with the person contacting her, not that his wife was supportive. He feels his wife’s customers shouldn’t be contacting her, especially regarding a personal matter. However, the customers tactic has worked, because op now feels responsible/duty bound to help her.

FMc208 · 28/03/2026 21:33

Starinthesky1 · 28/03/2026 21:07

I feel like I’m being pressured by him a little to be honest

Edited

Listen to your instincts. You didn’t mind listening to her in her hour of need, your husband minded you doing it. Sounds like he’s the one who has overstepped your boundaries here.

Tink3rbell30 · 28/03/2026 21:32

Starinthesky1 · 28/03/2026 21:07

I feel like I’m being pressured by him a little to be honest

Edited

That's the impression I'm getting from your posts, please don't let his thoughtlessness overshadow your kindness.

CinnamonBuns67 · 28/03/2026 21:24

You sound really kind OP but personally I would see this as overstepping boundaries as ultimately she's a client, not a mate. However boundaries vary person to person and if you are okay with it, doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. I would say though regardless, get a new number that you don't give to clients keep the current number as a business mobile number, then you can switch off to clients when you want or need to, wether thats just occasionally or strictly outside business hours, don't be wearing yourself thin.

Starinthesky1 · 28/03/2026 21:07

Tink3rbell30 · 28/03/2026 20:49

He sounds awful. How cold and thoughtless, I would see him differently. It's very kind of you to actually care and help.

I feel like I’m being pressured by him a little to be honest

OP posts:
2024changes · 28/03/2026 21:00

It was nice if you to talk to her. Something else that you might like to consider is it is very likely you will lose her as a client . She has opened up massively to you. when things turn around for her she might not like that you know as much about her personal life as you do.
this is another reason why business relationships have boundaries
Likw others have suggested it is best if you point her to professionals

Starinthesky1 · 28/03/2026 20:55

BeeCucumber · 28/03/2026 20:35

I would back away and seriously consider your client relationship. Your husband is right. The phone call was inappropriate and has crossed a professional boundary. You are not her friend. Why call you?

I think she was desperate and didn’t have anyone else to call to be honest

OP posts:
Tink3rbell30 · 28/03/2026 20:49

Starinthesky1 · 28/03/2026 20:00

If I’m honest I think she just needs a friend and someone to talk to about things and that’s what I’m happy to do I think but DH is adamant he thinks I shouldn’t help her and he thinks I should ask her not to call or message again.

He sounds awful. How cold and thoughtless, I would see him differently. It's very kind of you to actually care and help.

MrsAga · 28/03/2026 20:47

Your DH keeps quoting a boundary.
You have given out your personal mobile number with no restrictions. She can’t cross a boundary if you haven’t put any in place.

She obviously felt you were someone she could talk to, she called and asked if you had time to chat. She gave you the opportunity to say no, you didn’t & you were happy to chat to her. Your DH obviously thinks you shouldn’t be her friend/shoulder/confidante, but that’s not his choice, it’s yours.

If you don’t want someone to overstep boundaries, they have to know what those boundaries are.

If you no longer want her to confide in you, guide her towards someone else (Samaritans if needed) but don’t let your DH decide what your boundaries are.

BeeCucumber · 28/03/2026 20:35

I would back away and seriously consider your client relationship. Your husband is right. The phone call was inappropriate and has crossed a professional boundary. You are not her friend. Why call you?

dragonsandfairies · 28/03/2026 20:32

Reading the OP posts it comes across that the issue is more the DH and his opinions?
If you are happy to listen to this lady and support her then your DH should respect that.
I personally could never turn anyone away who was struggling and in need of someone to listen to them.

godmum56 · 28/03/2026 20:29

JLou08 · 28/03/2026 20:01

I'd get that removed. I'm not a hairdresser but I work with the public, I have a separate work mobile and that is turned off outside of working hours.

This. Definitely this. I know this is going to sound hard but I think you need to be really careful because you can't unknow things and its quite a risk. If she regrets telling you stuff or it gets out and she blames you, you are going to end up in a nasty situation. It will be through your meaning well but you could end up in shit creek. I think saying "she crossed a boundary" is not a very kind way of putting it, and you did let her, but I think there is some truth in what your husband has said....sorry.

catipuss · 28/03/2026 20:29

She obviously feels you are a friendly ear but I would be really uncomfortable with that and worry you are going to get dragged into all sorts of drama that is nothing to do with you. Cut it off now, treat her just like a customer when she comes in and if she rings again keep it short.

cannynotsay · 28/03/2026 20:23

You know I think you did a kind thing. We’re so quick to tell people get support, reach out. She’s done that. You’re away from her family and friendship circles enough to be away from the problems. But have also supported them feeling connected enough to do that. I worked in bridal T times it would happen on the work phone. If you don’t want to carry it on that’s ok too x

OriginalUsername2 · 28/03/2026 20:22

I think he’s seen a red flag and wants to protect his wife. This woman has mistaken a friendly client relationship for a friendship. That’s a clear sign of not understanding social boundaries.

That uncomfortable feeling you got at the beginning of the phone call was your instincts warning you.

Starinthesky1 · 28/03/2026 20:20

It’s hard because whilst I did feel a bit uncomfortable at first when she called I do also care and don’t want her to be alone and struggling with no one to talk to.

OP posts:
Starinthesky1 · 28/03/2026 20:17

I do feel like I’m being pressured a bit by DH because he keeps telling me he thinks I should tell her not to call or message again because he’s adamant he thinks she has overstepped the boundary.

OP posts:
ThatOpenSwan · 28/03/2026 20:11

It's not up to your DH what your boundaries are, OP - tbh I think he's doing quite a bit of overstepping there himself.

Holdinguphalfthesky · 28/03/2026 20:07

FMc208 · 28/03/2026 20:03

But this is a hairdresser not a therapist. A hairdresser who advertises her personal number on her business card. And who probably talks to clients like they’re friends (as most hairdressers do!) so to compare the OP to a therapist with a patient confidentiality agreement is ridiculous.

I didn’t mention patient confidentiality, I’m talking about energy, trauma, triggers, and appropriate care. OP has to look after herself and this client, and that doesn’t always look exactly like being available at any moment for any amount of time.