Dear Eric >> I’ve been going to the same neighborhood nail salon for nearly 10 years. They are usually great, but about two years ago, I continuously began to be relegated to a nail technician, “Sue,” who is very inconsistent, doing just OK sometimes and then on occasion was truly awful.

Sue has come close to drawing blood while cutting my nails, has hurt me while trimming cuticles and sometimes has my nails at different lengths and shapes. They usually don’t let her apply any polish and have another technician take over for that phase.

I felt I kept getting her because I never complained, either to her or the owner. I stopped going there for nearly a year.

When I came back (it really is convenient — I can walk there!) she wasn’t around the first couple of times, and I thought she had retired.

But now she’s back and I just received the worst manicure ever. I believe she’s a family member to someone there and she really is sweet. I don’t want her to lose her job, but if I were the owner I would want to know — although, I kind of suspect she does.

How should I broach this subject with them? I feel like I let it go too long for me to just show up and say, “I want anyone except Sue for my mani-pedi.” I know, I know. A bad day at the nail salon is a high-class, first-world problem to have, but I really would like to continue to give them my business.

— No Chips on my Shoulder

Dear No Chips >> If the salon takes reservations, call ahead and request another technician. This will keep you from having to have an awkward interaction in person. If they don’t, it’s not unkind to discreetly let the owner or the front desk clerk know you’d like someone else.

They may be relegating you to Sue because you don’t complain, or they could think that you actually like the manicure. They might even have a note in your record that reads “Favorite technician: Sue!”

One client choosing to work with someone else isn’t likely to get a nail technician fired, especially if she’s a family member. However, if you have serious concerns — and coming close to drawing blood does count as serious — letting the salon know gives them, and Sue, a chance to improve. With someone else’s nails.

Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com