> apologies, but I don't want to work on this task because it's a dark pattern. While I understand the intent, words matter. If those were the real words that

> apologies, but I don't want to work on this task because it's a dark pattern. While I understand the intent, words matter. If those were the real words that were used, yes it will lead to souring of relationship. Unless we notice a systemic pattern, accusations should wait and that sounds like an accusation. Perhaps the client was indeed trying to do something customer friendly and they did not know better. It would have been better if the OP had offered a solution rather than excuse of them engaging in dark patterns and refusing to work on it. And, if the client had not taken that solution, yes, I will agree there is something nefarious. But till then, I wouldn’t have jumped to that conclusion so quickly.