Just hit me, it'll hurt less

That's what Gary said to me this morning, when I was giving him The Look. He had just told me that he had not yet invoiced a client he worked for a few weeks ago. This is one of those recurring conversations we have had for the 10 years since Gary started freelancing.

Me: Have you invoiced yet?

Gary: No. I've been (fill in the blank) and haven't had a chance.

Me: You do realize we need the money, right? And they don't pay you until 30 days after you invoice them.

Gary: What do you want me to do?

Me: INVOICE THEM!!!

This morning, though, Gary was so familiar with how this would play out that he performed all the lines himself. I said, "You just give yourself the lecture. I'll sit here and watch."

And did he invoice them today? NO!