Ok so a guy I see Now & again  (maybe once every 3 months or so but can go very long periods without him seeing me) is having some marital difficulties and has confinded in me lots over it. Anyway the other evening (late) he was obvs drunk and was texting things about ‘been together’ etc ‘we would have a great life with all my money’ I was polite but I think he knows this won’t ever happen he’s around 70 and I’m 30 for a start. The convo ended we were both nice as always. Next morning I checked my bank and to my suprise he had transferred some into my account ! Quite a lot ( obvs trying to show off in his drunken state) he has my bank details as has paid me that way before and always pays over . So I decided to leave it a day or so then message asking if he meant to and thank you omg etc .. but he text first saying ignore my drunken words I was so cringe etc and please can you send the £ back , I’ll admit I was a bit disappointed haha he’s always so generous so didn’t expect that .. sooo do I send it straight back or keep it? I feel awful typing that !?!?

If he doesn't know where you live. And if you've decided to drop him from your client list as incompatible... I'd personally keep it and block-ban.
You could see it as legit payment for your work the night before- participating in the pestexting.
If no one forced him to throw unsolicited money at you, you've done nothing illegal.

I would return it. I would not feel comfortable keeping it all especially as he was a drunk twat but it would not be unreasonble to keep a small fee from it as he had free text time but you would probably need to explain that to him so he is fully aware. I think if you kept it all i doubt he would book you again and if he is usually generous and not too much hard work you risk losing him as a client but up to you of course.

Give it back. It's the right thing to do.

Thank you all! The selfish side in me is thinking how dare he ask for it back?! How rude .. I do need it & he’s a millionaire .... but I think I would feel guilty and we do get on well, why didn’t he just say keep it and knock it off the next bookings? X

Thank you all! The selfish side in me is thinking how dare he ask for it back?! How rude .. I do need it & he’s a millionaire .... but I think I would feel guilty and we do get on well, why didn’t he just say keep it and knock it off the next bookings? X

He could have said that, I would return it.

I can understand how you feel about this.
I would feel pissed off that he used up my free time with drunken ramblings! I would inform him you will repay every penny - but on the strict agreement that is the end of any contact. Before you pay, get him to Confirm he understands that will be the end of your working relationship and does he agree?
He may think twice if, as you say he really values you, is a millionaire and knows you need the money.

Not sure I would want to see him again in any case really, but if it was a one-off and as you get on so well otherwise? .. 🤔

... And just to add, as we are paid for "our time" this could be viewed as a remote booking.
Could you imagine if we repaid everyone who regretted their "paid time" the next day? We have all spent money we later regret and you didn't hold a gun to his head

But yes, I would pay him then get rid x

It is annoying when a punter or client starts using comms to chat away, trick is not to get sucked in. In this case it sounds as if he has been paying over the odds, and perhaps a finger waggle will be enough to put him off in future. Definitely something to watch and make sure doesn't happen again.