Why are some people always late?

1. 70

   Ultimate Hubberposted 13 years ago

   Why are some people always late?

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   SheriSappposted 13 years ago

   IMO, it is just a total lack of courtesy. If you are to be someplace by a certain time, it is rude and selfish to make folks wait on you!!

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   scauthor1969posted 13 years ago

   Because other people let them get away with it. I try to start all my meetings on time and to set strict time frames for other events. I can understand something coming up once in a while, but all the time?

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   Bretsukiposted 13 years ago

   Hello, I think there are several reasons some people are always late. Habit, poor sense of time and self indulgence being some of the more common.
   Some people are habitually late, leaving home at the same time to get to work, even if everyday they are late because of traffic or they just don't comprehend that they live ten minutes from work and leaving at 7:59am will not give them enough time to start work at 8:00am.
   
   Similar to the habitually late are the people who refuse to allow time for delays, they meander and then lateness creeps upon them. This is the person who knows they have to get to work in ten minutes and can do it under perfect conditions, always living in hope of those perfect conditions. They though might be the more genuinely sorry and apologetic if they are late.
   
   My final group are those who are deliberately late. They do it to annoy, raise tension in others or raise worries. They crave the attention it raises, they enjoy being the center of attention as people become agitated at their lateness. It is the tension seeker who loves this tactic. I believe Adolf Hitler was a firm believer in lateness in order to drive the crowds at his Nazi party rallies wild as he appeared. Hitler is however an extreme example.

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   akuiglaposted 13 years ago

   This use to bother me,until Ive read the chinese proverb:
   "Small mistakes protect us from big mistakes".
   Then I paid attention to people around.
   My conclusion is that people who are perfect in small things,like being late,very often make extremely big mistakes in life.

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6. 71

   zob2zobposted 13 years ago

   Hi for me I am always late and rushing around I used to be early and always on time!
   The reasons are:~
   a/ I now have a further 2 children under 3yrs.
   b/ PTSD (I daydream and loose tarck of time)
   c/ I find instead of getting stressed at other drivers poor performance on the roads I tend to slow down and chill.
   d/ That as part of the modern day routine we are forced to plan too much in one day so therefore forcing ourselves to be compromised and pushed to reach anywhere on time.
   e/ Once a journey of 15 miles would have taken 20 mins now can take up to an hour due to restrictions of speed and rights of way, roundabouts, traffic lights etc....

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   Wayne Brownposted 13 years ago

   I think the ultimate answer is that they are to "self-absorbed"...check the late ones and see if they are more likely "me" people of who talk about themselves more than anything else.  Untimately they do not have enough respect or consideration for others to be on time...they are too busy thinkin of themselves. WB

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   crazymom3posted 13 years ago

   children...I used to be organized, clean and timely until I had children lol!

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   Pollyannalanaposted 13 years ago

   Oh people like that just drive me crazy, they think they are the most important person on earth I think and ruins everyone's fun if in a group.They don't think ahead to calculate what they need to do to be on time and just don't care or they are idiots one. I have always been early not late. Maybe they are less nervous or hyper than me, lol, but I still think it is a type of person that is very rude and uncaring.

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    onlinearticlespkposted 13 years ago

    if it is usuall than it is a psychological problem.some times comming late becomes a habbit which if unoticed become a permanent habbit which falls in the category of psychology.

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    lovazaposted 13 years ago

    Instantly I think being late is a habit.  It depends upon what we are late for. A doctor's appointment I try to be at the office 10 minutes ahead of the appointment, however, it can be the doctor who is late!  For me, that takes up my time waiting to see the doctor which is annoying.  Then, there are people who are late for a luncheon date in a restaurant where I wait and wonder where that person is.  It is rude to be late for any appointment. If anyone is late, the polite thing to do is make a phone call.  It's better to be on time than late because first impressions do go by how punctual we are in our jobs, and appointments; it's showing consideration for someone's time.

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    kkoloshposted 13 years ago

    I know too many guys who think it takes 15 minutes to get anywhere.  I think for most individuals it's a lack of planning and an unrealistic view on how long it takes to get somewhere with traffic and all the other things you experience on the road.

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    NotWiredThatWayposted 13 years ago

    Sometimes I think, as in my case, being late is a form of passive aggressiveness.  A luncheon or appointment I really don't want to go to but must, is definitely an occasion when I'll be late just to antagonize people.  Why should I be the only miserable one?

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    crystalpowellposted 13 years ago

    I, unfortunately, am one of those people. I have a tendency to procrastinate. Not to mention the fact that i have two children. Never once do i think when I'm getting ready "Hmmm, maybe I should hurry up  since I have the children to get ready as well". People tend to think I'm rude and selfish but those same people are only human too and if they say they've never been late then.... ha anyway, when others are late I'm not so quick to judge or get angry cause hey, we've all been there.

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    carlmuellerposted 13 years ago

    Being late regularly tends to be a case of people who just don't care. There are always legitimate reasons when a person is late and just couldn't avoid it but people who are chronically late often do so because it doesn't bother them to be late and to inconvenience others.
    
    Carl

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    Abhaque Supanjangposted 13 years ago

    Many reasons for this one. They may be very busy before coming to an event or another activity; they may be overslept because of exhaustion in their previous activity; or they may regard the event that he join in not important for his life and career.

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    1Mom2-1Momposted 13 years ago

    They were born after their due date and are initially late.  They need continual verbal prompts and motivators to be on time.  Even then they are usually 3-5 minutes late.  They seem to run everywhere from apt to apt and are late in everything they do.

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    puddingicecreamposted 13 years ago

    It's usually because they're bad with time management.

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    rorshak sobchakposted 13 years ago

    "I set my clocks early cause I know I am always late."
    Fall Out Boy

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20. 68

    kassishaeposted 13 years ago

    This may come across as a little surprising, but believe it or not, many people who are late honestly care very much about where they are going, but have trouble judging the amount of time it will take them to do something or finish getting ready. 
    
    It is actually a common symptom of Adult ADHD/ADD.  Those diagnosed with Adult ADHD/ADD have a chemical imbalance in their brains that alters the way they behave. It affects the way they go through their daily lives.  ADHD is not the only condition that shows a correlation with being late, however.  There are quite a few.
    
    So next time your sister or best friend is late for the 3rd time this week, don't be so hard on them and try to understand because many people really do care, they simply can't seem to help it.

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    Theresa_Kennedyposted 13 years ago

    I did some research on this topic several years ago, to address my own lateness problem. Most people assume it's because the person doesn't care, is disrespectful of others, or is self-absorbed. Those assumptions are incorrect. The truth is that habitual lateness is due to the person feeling like they have enough time to do "just one more thing". But then that one more thing or the task after that, takes longer than planned....before you know it, you're late!
    
    I do agree with one of the responses here, in that lateness is a common symptom of AD/HD and other disorders like that. That is a wonderful reply and I was so grateful to see it, since I recently learned I too have AD/HD.
    
    People who are habitually late may not show it on the outside, but they do care very much, so much that being late can cause severe chronic stress. They often will quit jobs, end relationships, etc. to help alleviate some of that stress. It is HORRIBLE to live that way!
    
    You may think someone who is habitually late is just self-absorbed- consider that he/she is late because they are attempting to take care of everyone else's needs. Imagine this VERY common scenario: A young mother is trying to get herself ready for the company picnic. While getting dressed, she runs to the oven to take out the dessert she promised to bring. Fixing her hair, she remembers that her two young children need their faces washed again and another outfit, after the big mess they made with their snack at the table. While cleaning the table, she realizes the dog threw up on the floor and quickly cleans that up. She considers asking husband to help, since he is just istting there watching tv after needing only 5 minutes to get ready. Alas, it just seems easier to take care of it now while she has paper towels in hand. Her mother calls. Sister is having an emotional crisis and could she please go talk to her. Sorry mom, I'm running late gotta go. Now that everyone is ready, she has her husband get the kids in the car, while she puts on her shoes. Rushing out the door, she spins around to run in and get the dessert. While she's inside, she realizes that she forgot to use the bathroom and now it's urgent. Finally she dashes back out to the car and they're off. As the family drives away, husband checks the time and informs her they are 30 minutes late. She asks herself why it is always this way when she needs to be somewhere at a certain time.

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22. 0

    Guantaposted 13 years ago

    I think it speaks about the person's lack of consideration for others.  I don't like to be kept waiting and of course, unless it is something that cannot be helped, I expect the person to make the same amount of effort to be on time as I have done.

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    amazontronicsposted 13 years ago

    I know a few people with these tendencies, it actually starts at a young age. As children they are enabled by there parents not recognizing their inconsiderate nature before it became habitual .
    They also seem to end up with jobs that don't require an absolute start time. They just get there when they can. There is definitely a lack of consideration that seems to bind this group.

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    Bret Talleyposted 13 years ago

    because they are selfish and don't want to wait for other people

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    tHErEDpILLposted 13 years ago

    People who are late all the time are either selfish or full of themselves.  In other words they either don't care how it affects others or they want to make sure they make an entrance when they walk into a room late.  All eyes on them...get it?

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    nslettengrenposted 13 years ago

    Personally, I think being late all the time is a disease and my girlfriend's family has it! Her sister can not be on time no matter what... Its as if she is afraid. We will go out of the way to call her and make sure she is on the way and she will say she is right around the corner when she has not left the house! It's crazy and it kills me!!!

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    JoseMillanposted 13 years ago

    I think the people that are always late are not thinking it is a problem.
    It is a lack of consideration for the others.
    
    Just think about this, i will give you an example
    
    "If a student does not go to classes, the teacher will have only 1 absence.
    But if the teacher does not go...will affect the day for about 30 students.
    The man hours lost are exponentially higher.
    
    This example applies for neighbors, co-workers, and so on.
    
    REGARDS

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    wellspokenposted 13 years ago

    They have no respect for their time or the time of others. Some people fail to realize that time is the one thing you can't get back.

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    James Halpinposted 13 years ago

    You really have to look at it on a case by case basis.  My sister is always late but thats because she doesn't leave room for traffic or her kids doing a dozen trips back and forth from the car and house.  On the other hand I have a friend who is always late because she decides to stop here and there because she remembered that she wanted to get something not taking into consideration that people are waiting for her.

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    ronhiposted 13 years ago

    Lateness is a sign that the person is either disorganized or has wrong priorities..i am also very pissed off by people who are always late. To me, it means they don't respect me and they don't respect my time. The worst part is when you wait for someone who is late and then when he shows up, he doesn't even apologize....there was only one person i could stand when she came late-my ex girlfriend

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    soniacharanposted 13 years ago

    luck doesnt allow them...
    however they can leave early always...

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32. 0

    Majadezposted 13 years ago

    I don't know...  I'm notorious for being late.  But it depends on the occasion.  If it is just a light social event, those who are close to me are used to it.  When it's something more important, I make an effort and I'm usually on time or early.  In other words, I prioritise.
    Other people don't do that probably.

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    Rehana Stormmeposted 13 years ago

    Being late is a habit and nothing more. Like all habits, it can be worked on and fixed. What really annoys me is when someone says they're late and they can't do anything about it because it's genetic! No, being late all the time is not genetic! Unless you can prove to me it is.

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    nemanjaboskovposted 13 years ago

    I totally agree with Wayne... These people should really start thinking about others for a change and start appreciating others.

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    luckpagesposted 13 years ago

    May be because of two reasons... One is the laziness of the person and one is the habit of the person. If someone is lazy, so it is true that he will be late everywhere, like that if someone is habitual to wake up late morning and to go to office or school or somewhere late. So it is not good to make our habits like that.

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    NonnyKposted 13 years ago

    A great Question!
    
    I used to be late all the time and severely stressed as a result because unlike what a lot of people are saying, I felt really bad about it but no matter how much I tried to be early, even if I left on time, it seemed that the universe conspired against me to make me late!
    One day, I tried to figure out why this was the case.  I realised that inside of me, I was petrified about being the first one anywhere.  I think that was instilled in me as a child to never be the first one at a party or a gathering as it made you seem too eager to be away from home (weird! I know but I was brought up in Africa!).  All gatherings were advertised at 2 hours before the start time and no one turned up until then so if you were first, there was a stigma attached. 
    
    Being married to a person who loves to be on time for everything, I had to really figure this out as I knew it made people in the UK upset and I too was stressed. 
    
    In summary, the problem for some may be a cultural difference.

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    gryphin423posted 13 years ago

    I agree with Wayne Brown's answer. I think it is inconsiderate and rude.

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    pearpandasposted 13 years ago

    Lol... I am one of those people.  I guess it is because I always think I can get somewhere quicker than I can.  Plus I am super disorganized.  I think that I'm usually only about 5 - 10 minutes late ever though!

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    nasakeposted 13 years ago

    There is always somebody late at each and every single event that you will ever go to. Why?
    
    A: The one-off'er:
    If it is a one off, it is just a one off. That person got side tracked in whatever way and struggled there ass off to get in time.
    
    B: The Regular:
    Somebody couldn't be bothered to rush, and so decided that thye would LIE about being sidetracked.
    
    C: The Repeat Offender:
    If the same person is late almost every single time you see them or are arranged to see them, then it is because they are either too lazy to get ready in time, take ages to get ready because they are so vain and/or insecure, or a mixture of all the above elements.

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    How To Hubposted 13 years ago

    They don't allow enough time to get to places . I know people who if they have to be somewhere at 10am will leave at 9,50 am . I would leave 9,30 as I was brought up to be a bit early and allow for problems .
    I don't believe meetings should be delayed for late people as it makes them think it is acceptable behaviour .
    I was never late even having 3 kids as I alays planned it to leave 30 min before to allow for delays .

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    c1234rystalposted 13 years ago

    I used to be late a lot and it was because I'd see something around the house that I just had to deal with right then and there! lol It really could have waited, but no...and then I'd be late. Now I give myself plenty of time and have been about 10 minutes early everywhere I go. Trust me, it's not because of a lack of respect or that people don't care. They probably are just taking on too much before they need to leave.

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    Beth Pipeposted 13 years ago

    It's like obesity, some people have a medical condition and genuinely can't help it whereas for others it's completely within their power to change - but only if they want to.
    
    Behaviours generally don't change if they're working for you, so if you enjoy the attention you get when you turn up late (again) then why change?  Maybe  if whoever was waiting for the late person didn't make any fuss or simply left without them then things might change?
    
    That said my Hubby is constantly late so I just lie to him about what time we need to be places...

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    Msnancyposted 13 years ago

    Who are the 'some People' ?
    Black people have been said to be always late, but I think that is a racist comment and no all black people are not always late. Just to get that insinuation out the way.
    The Question: why are they always late...well maybe its poor time management, maybe its because they dont actually care to be on time, so like to be fashionally late.

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    Amaya31posted 13 years ago

    What irritates me a lot is when a person sets a meeting and end up meeting after an hour of the supposed to be meeting time. I really hate with that kind of attitude. Its a poor habit and I don't think you will become successful if you would continue that kind of attitude.

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    debbie robertsposted 13 years ago

    Speaking for myself it's a combination of things it's having bad time judgment - I even set my cooker alarm to let me know when it's time to be heading out...I also have this fear of being first...It makes me nervous...

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    Saugasfinestposted 13 years ago

    The simple answer:
    From early on in life they were taught to place importance on something else.

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    Acheolisposted 13 years ago

    They  lack one or both of these two things : time management skills and/or consideration for others having to wait on them.

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    lanealaneaposted 13 years ago

    They are usually late because they have other priorites. It seems that they are never late when they do not want to be late. Its just a bad habit.

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    RASOposted 13 years ago

    Because they don`t arrive on time. Simple as that. And they aren`t used to be somewhere right on time.

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    Ladynadieposted 13 years ago

    I agree with you Theresa. It's not because people don't care and they are self absorbed. I believe it's due to the one more thing that came to mind before you get there. I myself try to be on time but, the credit goes to my thought process.
    
    Everyone is different. Some people process information differently and can remember everything they have to do before leaving home.  But, for me when I am rushing or trying to time everything just right then I come up with the solution to the first problem before I leave for work. Next thing I know I'm out of time.
    
    Now, here is the hard part, when you walk in and everyone is looking at you and complaining and you feel like you just can't get it right, you feel like you are a misfit and walk away. Inside you are crying and ashame, you feel like no one understand. So, you think to yourself if only they knew how much I tried to be here on time and if only they can understand my heart is willing to make things better but I'm just not perfect like them.
    
    Sometimes people can be a little to harsh with no understanding. They never know how bad the other person feel on the inside and could very well be the one who pushes someone off the cliff and not know it until we face judgement day. After all, it was He who made us and not we ourselves.

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