My wife said, "Just treat me like I'm your best customer."

I wasn't paying attention. I was checking my e-mail from the Blackberry that I keep on the nightstand. I was hoping to get confirmation from a major client for a new contract. "Honey, what did you say?" I responded, as if on auto pilot. The second time she was louder, "Just treat my like I was your best customer."

"I don't know what you're talking about." I said, as I adjusted the sleep apnea apparatus over my nose. I was very tired; I needed a good night sleep.

She continued, at an even higher decibel level. "You lecture at your seminars that a successful businessman doesn't merely respond to a customer's requests in a timely fashion, he truly anticipates the needs of his customers," she answered. "Treat me the same way."

I wanted to say "Honey, I really would like to talk about this but can't it wait until tomorrow morning?" But I knew the rules; never go to sleep with an angry spouse. However, I was exhausted and I still had to reply to an e-mail from the West Coast.

I fluffed my pillows and then sat up in bed. I realized my arms were tightly folded over my chest. I was striking the quintessential defensive position. I tried to relax. I muted the ESPN highlights, unfolded my arms and attempted to look at her empathetically.

This time she wasn't getting emotional. She took out a typed sheet of paper from her bedside nightstand. Now, I was scared.

She began. "Example number one, you call me from your office and ask me how my day's going? I begin talking and I soon realize that you're not listening. I can hear papers moving on your desk and the key strokes on your computer. Remember, you called me! Can you imagine doing the same thing to your best customer?"

I wanted to say: "Honey we always take advantage of those closest to us. You do it when we get stuck at you mom's every Sunday night for dinner even though you know I hate going." But I kept silent.

"And example number two." She was on a roll. I had to interrupt.

"OK, you're right," I said. "I'm wrong. Let's fix this problem before we continue with your list of grievances. What do you want me to do?

She was prepared. She turned to her second page of notes. "One, instruct your secretary that in the future she shall never put me on hold."

"Two, when you take my call you're required to ask everyone in your office to step out, even your boss."

"Three, after we finish talking you will send me an e-mail with a summary of our discussion."

I stopped her. "What's the purpose of the e-mail? I asked.

Imitating the voice that I use on my training tapes, she said, "After a telephone call with clients, a top salesperson always follows up with a short summary via e-mail. It truly impresses the customer and eliminates any misunderstandings.

"Sure, "I responded. "I say that but only as a way to ensure that they've heard all of the client's needs."

"Exactly, I rest my case." She said and turned off the light.

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