habitual tardiness...

I've strived my entire life to show up for things either on time or early. My father always told me that, "If you show up on time, you're already late."

My wife has a friend that is ALWAYS late...she isn't married, has no kids, and as far as I'm concerned, has no excuse for showing up late each and every time. I don't understand people that show up at 1130 for something that starts at 1100. This is the same friend that showed up late for a cruise and actually MISSED her ship and lost all her money since the ticket wasn't refundable. I'm interested in finding someone here that can explain this phenomenon to me...perhaps YOU are the one that is habitually late and can explain this to me...

My girlfriend it's that way, so is her ten year old daughter. The daughter just drags her feet any time she's being rushed, obstinate kid stuff I suppose. My girlfriend just always had one more thing to do to get ready. I'll sit with my keys in hand for a half hour while she keeps doing or getting one last thing finished so she can be ready to go.

Of course, then she comes to me asking "are you ready now?" Like she's been waiting on me the entire time. I've never understood it.

I couldn't even imagine being habitually late. As far as I remember, I've only been late once and that's because a dump truck rear ended a line painting truck on the highway during rush hour. And even though it was out of my hands, I still felt horrible about being late.

Here I was thinking my sister invented it. Too bad she's not alone.

Is a female thing,my wifes going to be late for her funeral.

To me habitual lateness shows someone who lacks consideration for others. There may be emotional or psychological reasons for it, but in the end you are only late because there is someone or something else involved, so regardless of why you are always late the result is just a lack of consideration.

With the advent of mobile phones there is also, IMO, absolutely no excuse for having the person you are meeting hang around because of you either. A phone call or text message as soon as you know you are running behind is just common courtesy, but so few people seem to do it.

As a university lecturer I see a lot of it - students are notorious for it. I give them 5 minutes, and then I generally close and lock my office door and get on with my work. They are not often late on subsequent occasions.

James.

I have a reputation for being late - but my reputation precedes me, so it all works out in the end.

Many people who are always late do it as a psychological thing. You see when they are late and make others wait they are exercising control over those who wait. They are showing they are top dog.

Of course there are also cultural factors too. Living in New Mexico "the land of manana" lateness is an accepted part of things here for many.

It's immaturity and inconsideration at it's finest! 10 minutes early is 5 minutes late!

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Originally Posted by maddafinga

Of course, then she comes to me asking "are you ready now?" Like she's been waiting on me the entire time. I've never understood it.

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Same here! word for word. Must be chromosomal ;)