Because it was one of his clients. He would not be able to even confirm that the person had been to see him. I would be allowed to say whatever I pleased, I don't mean that he would think I was out of line, but speaking into a vacuum is not particularly helpful.

Mind you, the upside of this is that I get the same total confidentiality from T. I can be completely sure that he would never mention anything about me to anyone.

As regards the original dilemma, I know that I am a very different person - I would not see a T if I had to deal with any kind of chatter or small talk from associated staff, however friendly. It would make me very uncomfortable. So my response is coloured by that.