[jorian]

I have a good buddy whose wife is sometimes over an hour late for dinners/get-togethers. We live within walking distance. It's to the point where we (and other friends of theirs) don't invite them anymore. The last time we invited them (and two other couples), he showed up on time by himself. We ate dinner without her. I didn't ask where we she was even though there was clearly a place for her at the table. She was an hour and half late. She was to bring an appetizer. When she did show, she brought the ingredients and started looking for bowls and utensils to make it. The rest of us looked at each other in amazement. I poured her a glass of wine and mentioned we finished dinner already. Awkwardness ensued. We still marvel at the balls on that woman.

While I understand that not all is in your control and sometimes it can't be helped, being on time shows basic respect for those who you have made plans with. I used to be late often and people resented me for it. As an adult I changed my ways. Habitual lateness is a passive show of arrogance and narcissism.