Company Blog

Diary of a Late Hater

by Adam Zack — November 20, 2024

Show me someone who’s always on time, and I’ll show you someone who gets respect without even trying.

Man, I hate being late. As I type this, I’m late writing this week’s blog, which feels like breaking my own moral code. DW’s gentle-but-pointed inquiry, “How’s the old blog coming?” was the nudge I needed to get going, but still—late is late. And late is not cool. It’s not fashionable. It’s not even that “I’m so quirky” kind of charming. It’s just rude.

Let’s be honest: people who are consistently late are disrespecting your time, your patience, and possibly even your ancestors (too far? Maybe). When you’re late, it says, “I know your life is busy, but mine is obviously busier, so you can just wait.” Seriously, it’s like saying, “I was supposed to meet you at 7:00, but I think 7:25 sounds cooler.” Spoiler: it doesn’t.

Now, not everyone’s a tardy monster. I used to carpool every Tuesday with a guy who’s punctual to the point of sainthood. Except for that one time he forgot me. He left so early he was halfway to San Diego by the time I texted, “Hey, are you… coming?” But that’s an anomaly! Usually, he’s rock solid. People like him make the world feel a little less chaotic. They bring order to the madness.

Punctual people are the ones you want in your corner. They’re dependable, professional, and frankly, they’re just easier to like. Show me someone who’s always on time, and I’ll show you someone who gets respect without even trying.

But the perpetually late? Oh, they know who they are. They’ll laugh it off, like, “Haha, I’m just terrible with time!” No. You’re not bad with time. You’re bad with math. You had one job: calculate how long it would take to leave your house, park your car, and show up where you said you’d be. You failed. If this were a test, you’d get a big fat F… in friendship.

Let me ask you this: have you ever heard anyone say, “He’s always late, but gosh, I respect the hell out of him”? No, you haven’t. Because being late is a personality flaw that nobody finds endearing.

Here’s the real talk: being late without a valid excuse is basically lying. You said you’d be somewhere at 7:00, and you weren’t. Now I’m wondering if I can trust anything you say. What’s next? You tell me you’re bringing chips to the potluck and show up with salad?

Look, the chronically late people in our lives need a little tough love. If this is you, consider this your intervention. Start showing up on time, and watch people’s faces light up with surprise and—wait for it—respect.

Anyway, I’ve gotta run. I have a 11:00 meeting, and I’m always five minutes early for those. Now, if only I could apply the same punctuality to this weekly blog… baby steps.