Tardiness

You know what bothers me? People who are chronically late. I'm not talking about the dude who got stuck in traffic because a tractor-trailer rolled over on the highway. I'm talking about people for whom a set meeting time is absolutely arbitrary.

And they think it's cute. They think it's endearing. They say things like, "Oh you know me. I'm always late. I couldn't be on time to my own wedding", etc., as if that justifies the total and complete lack of regard for other people's time. Essentially, what they're saying is, "I know we agreed to meet at 6, but I don't care if you stand there and wait for 45 minutes while I take my time getting to you. Sorry." Sorry. SORRY. I'M SORRY. I'm always late. I'm sorry. Gah, I'm so bothered by it.

In some cases, it's a symptom of ADD. The person has no ability to judge how long a task or a trip will take, and therefore plans poorly. There's just no concept of time, so he will say he can get to the bank, get his haircut, and then make it to the restaurant by 7, but he's only started out at 6. Okay, this is understandable. With people in this situation, you anticipate that incomprehension and plan accordingly.

But with just normal joe-blow-can't-be-on-time-to-save-my-life's -- what do you do? How do these people function? How do they hold down a job when 9 a.m. sometimes means 9:30 or 10? What do they do with their kids? Do they leave them at school until the teacher finally calls to find out where they are? Aren't they embarrassed by their lack of regard for anyone else?

Geez. Get a watch. And some respect.