Being On Time

How often we got stuck in places waiting alone for friends presume we will wait patiently or not be gauche as to object to their tardiness.

I recently had a similar experience, and wanted to get an opinion from you. In these days of mobile communication readily at hand, there is absolutely no reason not to notify other of your delay arrival. I usually try every effort under my control to honor an appointment on time because I believe punctuality is not only necessary, it is manner, and etiquette for a polite society. The restored King of France, Louis XVIII once said that ''Punctuality is the politeness of kings. We may not all be Royalty it certainly is proper manner.

We all experienced situation out of our control causes lateness. Perhaps it is getting stuck on traffic or involve in an accident. Having a little lie down lost track of time etc, we all experience the unexpected. However, deliberately making people wait is not excusable.

A lot of people have the attitude of assume their time is worth more than others. Late for a personal appointment, of any nature, is the height of rudeness and vanity at worst. May be next time you should be kept waiting in a public meeting place alone or a change.

Emily Post declared in her Etiquette (1942): “Let no one believe such nonsense as that it is smart to be late. It is true that lateness is on occasions tolerated in those whose compensating assets of talent or charm are sufficiently great. But even so, very few of us find amiability unstrained and our enthusiasm undimmed after repeated experiences with those who are never on time.” Bravo! So next time if you are late without a proper announcement, please do not expect any one will be there to meet you at all.

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