I am a self employed cleaner and have done the job for quite a long time. My clients have always usually been lovely people. I started a new clean last year and was given him through an acquaintance. Gradually he has started making me feel uneasy.
The first time was when he came through and said “I love when you’re here as you always come in with a lovely little smile”. I just took that as him being nice at the time. Then another time I came in, I had said it was cold outside and he came straight up to me, took my hands and started rubbing them. I pulled them away slowly, changed the subject and went to start my clean. He was quiet for a while after that but then he’d touch my back when passing or when I was in a small area like the en-suite, he’d stand and block the door and make conversation. Just before Christmas he’d given me wine as a gift to say thanks for cleaning for him and he leant in quickly and kissed my cheek as I’d moved my face to the side when he came towards me. I froze and I was annoyed at myself for not pulling back. I just froze and didn’t know what to do. The last time I’d been there he had asked me if I had a boyfriend and stupidly I said no as I was taken aback. I just said I wasn’t interested in dating. He went on to say he just wanted someone to look after. He then left.
I’m due to go back but I don’t think I can. He is an older man, there is 40 years difference. His children are older than me.
I am always friendly/polite when I’m there but I’m like that with all my clients.
I was hoping for some opinions on how to go about this situation. I’ve spoken to friends/family. Some say to go to his home when he’s not in and that way I don’t have to see him much. My dad has told me not to go back.
I’ve never been in this situation so don’t know what to say to him that I won’t be coming back.
He pays me way more than I usually charge too, which I guess was a red flag that I never noticed at the beginning.
Reading all this back, I sound like an idiot for going back all this time.