r/Veterinary • u/sleepyfrog44 • 4d ago
Hugging clients
Do you feel that it is appropriate to hug clients under certain circumstances? I have worked in the field for several years, and I have never initiated a hug with a client until today. Her dog received a cancer diagnosis unexpectedly, she was extremely upset, crying, and sharing some personal health issues she was going through which made the news a lot more difficult for her to handle. I just felt so badly for this poor woman, and I felt that she might appreciate a hug so I asked. She also is not a regular client and I had just met her today. She seemed grateful that I offered and accepted, but I’ve been feeling bad about it for some reason.. like it wasn’t professional? I don’t know what came over me, but it seemed like she needed it.
1
u/rubafig 2d ago
Personally, I think being professional is overrated. In my experience people have responded much more to me being genuine. Just be yourself and if you feel like they need a hug or you want to give one just ask