This question has come in multiple variations recently.

One version is, "I have a prospect who I really like, but the spouse is a complete PAIN! (The prospect emailed me back a file that had the spouse's comments in red all over it. #really???)

The prospect could be a great client, but honestly if the spouse is going to be babysitting us all the time, it's going to be a disaster. What do I do? How do I talk to the prospect about this?"

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Unless the revenue is an absolute must, do not take this client on. 

Scratch that. 

Do not take this client on. 

If you do great work, which I presume you do, there will be another great prospect right around the corner, that comes without the challenging spouse. 

You are under no obligation to be helpful, even though I know you can and would do a great job. 

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While it might be difficult to decline business (and revenue) in this moment, imagine instead your client roster full of clients you truly enjoy, and none who make you wince. 

You can create that reality, but not if you say yes to clients who don't align with it.

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