I think plenty of them are genuine when they say 'it's not your fault', it's a nice thing to say if they think we think we might have let them down in some way. I don't think interpreting client's words in a negative way all the time is particularly helpful (which seems to be happening here more and more!)
Very true, but I'm always listening, listening, watching, watching. I'm watching body language. I'm watching their eyes; it's very hard to lie & keep your micro expressions from giving you away. Yes, I watch too much Criminal Minds, lol.
I genuinely try & give it my best. After 45 minutes into their hour & it's clear nothing's going to happen, then it's no longer on me & I have no guilt, nor any compunctions about sending them on their way, especially when they've been given the 15 minute heads up.
If you can't pop in an hour, that's a YP, not a MP.