When Is the Last Time You Accidentally 

Told a Client, “Love You”?



We’ve all been there—those awkward moments when autopilot kicks in, and you say something wildly out of place. Recently, a professional on LinkedIn shared how they ended a serious sales call with an unintentional but heartfelt “Love you!” The reaction? Total silence, followed by panic. They meant to say “Thank you,” but muscle memory from countless personal conversations took over.

It got me thinking: While I haven’t made that particular slip-up (yet!), I did have a hilarious mishap recently. An email went out discussing “RISK management,” but thanks to a tiny typo, it became “RICK management.” Suddenly, we weren’t just managing risks—we were managing Rick. (Poor Rick. He didn’t see that one coming.)

These moments might make you cringe at first, but they also offer a chance to humanize your business interactions. We all slip up occasionally—it’s part of being human. Rather than trying to hide these mistakes, owning them with humor and humility can make us more relatable and memorable. In fact, many successful professionals will tell you that their best client relationships started with a shared laugh over a harmless blunder.

So, what should you do when you have your own “love you” or “Rick management” moment?

1. Own it:
Address the slip-up with honesty. If you accidentally end a meeting with “Love you,” a simple follow-up email—“Well, that got awkward quickly! What I meant to say was, ‘Have a great day!’”—can defuse the situation and show you’re not afraid to laugh at yourself.

2. Keep it light:
Most people appreciate a little levity. After all, the world of business can feel serious and overwhelming at times. A well-placed joke about your mishap can ease tension and leave a positive impression.

3. Learn from it (but don’t dwell):
Mistakes are part of growth. Laugh, learn, and move on. If it’s a typo in an email, create a proofreading checklist. If it’s a verbal slip, slow down and stay mindful during high-stakes conversations.

In the end, it’s these unscripted moments that remind us we’re working with people, not robots. They build connection and trust more than a perfectly polished presentation ever could.

So, next time you find yourself telling a client “love you” or accidentally managing Rick instead of risk, take it in stride. It might just be the best mistake you’ve ever made. 😁

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