Archive: Around Town

Dear Margaret: I have a friend who is always late – for everything! It’s so inconsiderate. I’ve begun to count on her being at least 30 to 45 minutes late and make plans accordingly. I’m annoyed that I have to adjust my schedule to accommodate her. And yes, I’ve talked to her about it. She brushes it off and says she tries to be on time, but just can’t seem to get her act together. What’s the deal with people like her who are continually tardy and how can I stop letting it bother me?
Friend of the Unpunctual
Dear Friend of the Unpunctual: There are many reasons why someone is consistently late. Some enjoy the attention of entering a room breathless and wanting everyone to focus on them while they tell their tales of what caused them to be late. And yes, there are some who are oblivious to the inconvenience their tardiness causes to others. Then there are those who really just can't 'get their act together.' They don't seem to have that inner clock to let them know how long an activity will take, and before they know it, time has run out. Or, they get so lost in what they're doing that time seems to be suspended. They may become so engrossed in an activity they can't pull themselves away or they simply may chose not to pay attention to the passing of time. I don't know which category your friend falls into. If you truly enjoy her company, keep adjusting you schedule to accommodate. However, when something is important to you and you need her to be punctual, let her know that you will not be able to accommodate her if she is tardy and move forward with what you have planned without her.

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