The chain of lateness
I had a day full of commitments with different groups of people. I had lunch plans with the first group. I was ready at the agreed time and arrived at the meeting spot before everyone else; the rest showed up an hour late.
Suddenly, it was time to head to the next commitment, but since everyone had arrived late, we hadn’t finished eating yet.
Some of the people I arranged the second commitment with arrived on time, and I was already running late… because of those who showed up late for lunch.
Only two out of approximately eight people arrived on time for the second commitment. I showed up almost an hour and a half late. An hour after I arrived, the rest of the people showed up. The two who had been punctual were understandably upset. The latecomers blamed traffic or work for not making it on time.
I arrived early to the first one, but thanks to the latecomers, I ended up being late for the second and had to apologize. Now that I think about it, it’s a pretty shitty situation.
I don’t like being late. I also dislike people who are. I believe other people’s time should be respected, and if you can’t make it, you should let them know in advance.
I haven’t stopped thinking about how something seemingly insignificant can trigger a chain of misfortunes for others. That’s why you shouldn’t assume others have nothing else to do.