I run my own small electrical business and honestly, I never even considered working in a corporate office. The truth is, I cannot stand the idea of taking instructions from a woman. I just feel it goes against nature for a lady to be ahead of a man and telling him what to do. I know some people will call me old-fashioned but that is how I feel. That is why I decided to be my own boss. The problem now is that whenever my friends recommend me to a lady who needs electrical work done, I always find a way to turn it down. I come up with excuses like being busy or needing to check my schedule, anything to avoid going to her house. My fear is if I keep doing this, my friends will think I am not serious and stop recommending me, even to male clients. It even happens when a man calls me. If I arrive and only his wife is at home, I somehow find a reason to leave and come back another time, hoping to catch the man. It has gotten to a point where I feel stressed every time I know a female client is involved, yet I also know this is a business and people expect professionalism. I am confused because on one hand, this is my business and I set the rules, but on the other hand, I worry I am being unprofessional and maybe even losing opportunities. I want to know if there are other men out there who feel the same way or if I am completely wrong. Do you think it is acceptable for a service provider to refuse clients based on gender or is this crossing a line in professionalism?