Just sent a series of design visuals for the client to look at for his new website, expecting some feedback. A few hours later he sends an email saying, "my main competitor" with a web link and nothing else. What the fuck am i supposed to do with that? Id already studied all his competitors prior to commencing the design visuals, how am i supposed to respond without being condescending?

Use it to start a dialogue with him?

"Oh, yes, I see that the colors are different! Is there something you like about their site and would like me to add to yours? Something you don't like on theirs and want to avoid?"

Consider acting like you'd already looked at it a while back, but might have forgotten something and that it was a helpful reminder.

Its always the case with bespoke design, especially when the client seems to think he knows everything about design. I remember doing a logo fir him a while back, i gave him a number of options, all researched and presented the feel and message of the company. He chose one then had me work on it for weeks until it looked like a confused pile of shite, then he was happy. I need the money, but not this client. Im working to fixed budget, so have to limit to 2 rounds of design changes before i tell him his fixed budget just got unfixed.

Ah, ick. Maybe a better question would be "Could you love with it like this?" or something. It's funny because it sounds like you're expected to be his design and financial advisor despite just selling him website work.