I was showing office space to a potential tenant.  We had talked for a while about the lease terms when he started asking about paying less than the advertised monthly rent.

Me:  I’m sorry but the property owner is firm on the rental rate.

Potential Tenant:   Ha ha ha!  I have to say this.  It is so weird to hear you talk in 3rd person.  (Using finger air quotes) The property owner feels the rate is fair?  The property owner does this, the property owner does that!  You’re making things so awkward with all this pretending.

Me:  I don’t own the building.

Potential Tenant:  Wow.  Ha ha ha!  Even more awkward.  Just stop pretending.  I get it!

Me:  No, really.  The property is owed by an investment group but they don’t deal with the day-to-day management.  They hired a management company to handle things for them.  I oversee all the tenant issues and financial reporting and maintenance and so on.  I don’t own the property,  I just take care of it.

Potential Tenant:  Ohhhhhkay then.  Fine.  Whatever you say.  But  that sure doesn’t sound like a real job.

He was right.  It did seem unreal at times.