If I say I'm going to be somewhere at some specific time, I try my best to do exactly that. It's what I expect from others as well. I hate to wait so please don't be late!
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| Train, Dunmurry station – The 11.27 Bangor – Portadown calling at Dunmurry station. Since the introduction of this new stock there has been a noticeable improvement in punctuality and fewer “we regret to announce” over the long-line public address. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Punctuality
I hate being late. I don't like to wait for other people either, If anything I prefer to be early if I'm going somewhere. My wife seems to have that same inclination so we are usually of a single mindset when we go somewhere. If we're running late then I tend to get nervous and start feeling anxiety. I want to be on time because I don't want anyone waiting on me.
That's the way I've always been. My father too. I guess I got that quality of punctuality instilled within me from my father's influence. Yes, I call punctuality a quality because I consider it to be a courtesy to others and a sign of respect. If I don't like to wait on somebody else that I'd expect that they don't want to be waiting on me. If we're all on time then we're all happy, or at least that's the way I see it.
But there's another thing. Maybe this is my main reason and in a sense it might be somewhat self-serving or even a desire to be the one in control. My father was like this too. What I have found to be the case is that if I am the first one in a place then it's like I've marked that territory as mine. If I'm early then I can scout things out to get a "lay of the land" so to speak, thus giving me a certain advantage in a sense. Being the first one there means I can arrange things to my advantage. I can usually watch as the other person arrives. They are coming to me.
As an example, when I went back to college at age 54, I always tried to be the first one in class. For one thing I'd get my preferred seat in class. But often, and this was probably also due to the fact that I was usually the oldest student, those coming into the class would often assume that I was the professor. Even after they found out that I wasn't, as the class went on I was always seen in a sort of leadership role.
Most of my working life I've usually either been in a management role or looked at as a candidate for management. I tend to prefer a work situation in that way. If I'm confident about a job then I'd prefer to be the person in charge. I'd much rather be the guy giving orders then having to take them from somewhere else. One of reasons that I've been placed in higher positions is the sense of being capable of taking on responsibility. Being punctual is a responsibility. And a quality.
My father would have liked that part of me. Being punctual and responsible. It was an example that he set for me and I kept up with it in my life. It's the way I am and I wouldn't want it any other way.
Are you usually a punctual person? Why do you think that some people are habitually late? Do you see punctuality as a quality in a person?
A great read Arlee, puncuality is most important I must say. By the way you WERE punctual when we met up in LA.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Yvonne, glad that I made that impression when you visited. I don't like for anyone to have to wait for me wondering when I'll show up.
DeleteLee
I am one of those punctual people and reach at exact time. In fact, due to my anxiety I use to go hours before during exam time back in college ... In my experience, I have found that many people don't have the courtesy of being present at exact time. That is why I always prefer to carry a book. So, while my friends are late I might as well read a chapter or two.
ReplyDeleteNice post. Thanks for sharing
Best Wishes
Karnika, I usually forget to bring a book and will end up people watching or daydreaming if I do have to wait. But a book is a good idea.
DeleteLee
It's the height of bad manners not to be punctual. I've tried to practise punctuality all my life.
ReplyDeleteP for Preston Hall http://bit.ly/2oTODxU
Bob, I'm glad to find that so many others share this quality.
DeleteLee
I confess I tend to run chronically late. It's been a source of contention with my husband, who like you, is extremely punctual. Why is that? Is it because in Hawaii, everyone is always late? When you have a meeting or an event, people tend to be 10 minutes late. This is called "Hawaiian time." When people are on time, we call this "mainland time." One has to be careful how to invite people - if they are mainland people, you want to give them the time to meet based on "mainland" time. But if they are locals, ha, you want to tell them to meet you a half hour before you want them to show up! Sometimes an hour ahead of when you want them to come! It's not uncommon to have people show up 2 hours later than the time they were given! I agree that punctuality is a sign of respect, but my weakness is keeping track of time. It's been something I've worked on, trying to allot enough time to leave a place and get to another place, allot enough time for potential traffic, mishaps, unforeseen incidents. Its' called planning - some people are naturally good at it, the rest of us have to work very hard at it. It's not meant to be disrespectful to be late, but rather getting so involved in something one loses one's sense of time and haven't planned well enough to stop ahead of time and get ready for the next thing. My two cents.
ReplyDeleteMaui Jungalow
Courtney, I've heard of cultural lateness or something like that. In fact it's become a recent issue at some university that I've been hearing about. Keeping track of time can certainly be another factor to consider. I've done this and become late before--or almost late.
DeleteLee
Hi Lee - if it's a personal meet up - then I'm on time ... if I'm visiting then I'm usually a few minutes late - but with mobile phones we can at least communicate. I don't like keeping people waiting, while early in my life I was always well before time ...
ReplyDeleteCheers Hilary
http://positiveletters.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/p-is-for-pigs.html
Hilary, when visiting or attending a function where there will be many people I might be a little late--it depends on who it is and what the function is. A phone call can be very considerate when one is going to be late.
DeleteLee
I prefer to be early. It is so much more stressfull to run on time or have to worry about being late.
ReplyDeleteMike, I'm the same way. I'd rather relax and know that I've made my destination without any hassle.
DeleteLee
I'm getting better at punctuality since my children left the house! I still do get distracted and fall behind in preparing to leave the house some days. Whenever we are ahead of schedule with plenty of time, we joke that "there's still plenty of time to be late"! Sometimes it seems we stop hurrying then, or forget half a dozen things in the house just as we thought we were cruising along ahead of schedule. I hate being late, and I get fidgety when we can't get out the door and on our way in plenty of time. I like your insight into the "control issue", it isn't one I'd thought of before. That could be what it is, also, when people are late - another control issue. There are also just plain people who get obsessed with what is happening in the moment. Punctuality is definitely a good quality to have.
ReplyDeleteDo you wear a watch? I don't. Haven't for years. I wonder how many people just use their phone now to see the time. Just a thought. Do people who are punctual all the time WEAR a watch, or is that not a factor at all?
Donna Smith
Mainely Write
PBE4UGO
Donna, I well understand how it is getting kids ready. I always started getting mine going early so we wouldn't be late. I've noticed that my oldest daughter is much the same so she must have learned some of that in her upbringing.
DeleteActually I do usually wear a watch if time is a factor and I want to keep track of it. Otherwise, I don't wear a watch as often as I used to.
Lee
I am terminally early for everything. So is my husband. We cannot stand people who are late. I have a few friends who are always 'running late' and it's beyond annoying. It was worse in CA where everyone is too laid back. I would have to tell certain friends I wanted them over at Noon, knowing they wouldn't show up till 2 which was the time I really wanted them over. Cause every time I said 2, they'd show up at 4. It's beyond rude. And very disrespectful too.
ReplyDeleteJoJo, it's funny how some people are almost always late while others will almost always be early. It's a matter of upbringing for the most part I guess. Sometimes if the wait turns out too long and I haven't heard from anyone I will just leave.
DeleteLee
We used tone time (or even early) for everything... these days not as often, but then (other than doctor visits) we seldom go anywhere... (as typing another brown recluse came crawling up my leg...) "Never a dull moment"... have a pleasant day, good Sir Arlee
ReplyDeleteComputer only typed some of my first words...we used to be on time (what it was to have said)... and quickly killed the spider... do not want to go back to the doctor for another bite...
DeleteP.S. ... give my best wishes to Phil and Amy next time you speak with them...
DeleteStacey, yikes! Brown recluse spiders can create a great amount of discomfort from what I've heard. I've been thinking of calling Phil and Amy. My oldest daughter and her family just visited them a week or so ago and said they were doing well, but most just stay at home now.
DeleteLee
I'm a punctual girl. I can't even remember a time when I was late... thinking... no... but it would be a traumatic event so maybe I've blocked it out :) I don't mind other people being late, as long as I'm not :)
ReplyDeleteNicola, I know I've been late on more than one occasion and I'm usually very embarrassed and apologetic when I am though usually the one waiting doesn't seem all that concerned. But still...
DeleteLee
I always try to be punctual, but sometimes things (like the clients, or an important phone call) conspire against me. Then there's losing track of time on the computer. ☺ That said, I am rarely late and if I am, then only by a few minutes. One of my biggest pet peeves is clients who show up late and don't bother to call. On a few occasions, I had to leave a note on the door, saying I had an appointment and couldn't wait any longer and they should come back later.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, when meeting up with others I think communication is of utmost important if things are going according to schedule.
DeleteLee
Only time I am ever late is if there is construction, accident, bad weather or some other unforeseen thing. Other than that, when I say I am there, I'll be there. Never missed a deadline in my life. People who make you wait forever annoy me.
ReplyDeleteI could never get myself to the office at 8:30. I had no trouble with 8 or 9; I must have just had a mental block.
ReplyDeleteMary is a stickler for getting places on time, and she's had a few friends that were always late. I remember one showed up three hours late, then had to leave right away because she had another appointment. Mary let her have it.
We are obsessive about punctuality. two minutes late and we are sweating. Those who wander in later are insulting those who are on time.
ReplyDeleteI used to be a security guard back in the day and for A WHILE i had this very nice black kid who relieved me. Only problem was his ALWAYS being late. He once told me it was "my way of getting back at The Man." I told him, "The only "Man" you're getting is ME!"
ReplyDeleteI'm a punctual person, hate being late, invariably early, but I prefer that. I dislike people who make an appointment and routinely arrive late. Why not say the real time you want to arrive!
ReplyDelete@Raesquiggles - Priories through the centuries
The Quiet Writer
It doesn't bother me if someone runs a few minutes late. I like to arrive right on time. I hate standing around waiting for something to begin. Hubby for years made us dreadfully late for many things. Lately, he's come around.
ReplyDeletePerspectives at Life & Faith in Caneyhead
I like to be on time but I have been known to be a few min late but I would never judge someone because they are late or even if they are early. I do know a few who are habitually late and a couple of the, have been very late which does try my patience. If they say they will be there for 7pm, they usually come around 8 or even 9pm! Now, if they are to come we say to be here for 6 pm even though dinner won't be until 7, that way they won't be too late. Being this late, I think is almost a defiance against time. My brother, who is ADHD but not severe can be late but has worked on that over the years. My hubby is severe ADHD but he makes sure to be on time and hates being late ever. There are others, like the 2 I mentioned above and my mom who would be or are late. My brother mentioned that one thing that people who seem to have SDD or ADHD have is this defiant attitude. I know my mom's middle name was defiance and I believe the other 2 people have this in the, as well. They dislike feeling that pressure of having to be at a certain place on time somthey defy it by being late
ReplyDeleteI am 100% certifiable anal about punctuality. Having grown up in a household with parents that were polar opposites in regards to time, I make it my life's ambition to be on time no matter where I'm going or what I'm doing.
ReplyDeleteBoth my brother and his wife are exactly like my mother when it comes to punctuality (my sister in-law was late to her own wedding and late to her own photo shoot). Drives me nuts.