Early or Late Which is You?

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When Do You Arrive?

Always the perpetual early bird, that’s me. It is ingrained in my soul. Being late is not on my agenda. There are only two times in my life lateness reared its ugly head. Once to a ballgame, and another time late to work. The weather had a factor in my being late to work. My grandson's ballgame started early so that was why my husband Gary and I were late for that. Things that were out of our control, so lateness shouldn’t even be factored in. 

Late, Not Me

Otherwise, I abhor being late. An early arrival of at least a half hour to 15 minutes is practical. Better early than late is my mantra. I had an appointment today at 1pm-my arrival was 12:30. There will be times when my early arrival indicates a wait. Like getting my hair done, my hairdresser has numerous people she sees a day so I try to be very prompt with her. Otherwise waiting will occur as she will be busy taking care of another customer.

Arriving places early is a sign of respect. Keeping anyone waiting is not a viable option. Being prompt is a responsible and conscientious thing to do. We early birds have a type A personality. Valuing not only our time, but others' time as well. Type B are people who arrive late to the party, laid back not a care in the world. Definitely words that do not describe me.

Being early reduces my stress level. Not worrying about being late, rushing and arriving at the last minute or ten minutes late. This type of behavior wears a person out. 

Arriving late makes us seem less trustworthy. Not dependable, no one cannot rely on us. Never knowing if we will be on time and stressing out over the fact we are late once again. 

It Doesn't Look Good

When applying for a job interview, being late for the interview itself sets a precedence. Strike one right off the bat. The employer will wonder if this is something that happens often or is a recurring problem. It will not look good. Safer to be early so there is time to sit and go over your resume, make sure everything is in order and as it should be. Running late will confuse and turn off employers. Not a positive first step in the eyes of an employer. 

Family Live with It

Having a sister-in-law who is constantly late for any event takes its toll. Christmas, get-togethers, etc. No one expects to see her arrive on time. She is at times up to an hour late. Christmas is especially frustrating because people are waiting to eat and open gifts. It is a joke in the family that she is told the party starts an hour earlier than it does, so she can maybe arrive on time. There is no changing her, she is what she is. So, we all live with it.

Stress Isn't Good

The thought of being late makes my stress level rise. anxiousness and an instant headache are my companions. Arriving and apologizing profusely time and again. Not wanting anyone waiting for me is always on my mind. Everyone's time is important to them. Being late puts us all behind the eight ball.

It's Disrespectful

Being late is poor time management. Constant tardiness is insulting to others. This person appears to believe they are more important than we are thus they can keep us waiting. Or perhaps it is a lack of intelligence that makes them late. It is bad enough this person is late but to not call saying they are having trouble and will be late is a clear red flag. Maybe we should steer clear of this person. They appear to have no empathy for anyone but themselves. Their time is important to them, but our time doesn’t appear to enter their realm of thinking. It is not only rude but also very disrespectful. 

Certain people may be late because they feel unimportant and inferior. They are attention grabbers. Arriving late means all eyes are on them when they enter the party or get together. It is primarily a selfish act, putting their needs before others. 

Remember the old saying, the early bird gets the worm. More people should abide by this.

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Promptness equals courtesy and good manners. Need I say more?

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