The other day I attended a workshop. When I arrived five minutes before the set start time of 10 a.m., there were a handful of people gathered, ready to begin. The instructor waited until 10 minutes past the hour to begin, trying to give latecomers the opportunity to arrive. As it was, the first of the latecomers arrived 20 minutes into the presentation with the final ones interrupting the class almost 40 minutes later.
One of the tardy attendees sat next to me and whispered “I thought this was supposed to start at 10?”
Trying not to look at her like she’d grown a second head, I answered with a nod and said “It did.” By this time, the clock on the wall showed it nearing 11 a.m.
“Well, these things never start on time,” she added.
Although I kept my opinions to myself, what I wanted to add was that they never start on time because of people exactly like her who show up whenever they feel like it.
I find it to be extremely rude and disrespectful for people to show up late for a workshop, class, meeting or event. It is disruptive to have people wandering in part way through. It is also a time waster for those who manage to show up on time because there is inevitably someone important who is “running a bit late” who may or may not finally show up.
So for the sake of your hosts, please try to show up in a timely manner! There are two things that will make your host love you for life.
1. If you RSVP as soon as your are invited, as I highlighted in this post.
2. Be on Time!
Do not, I repeat, do not show up 15 minutes early for a party in a private home. The host will not be ready for your arrival and you could send her into a tailspin.
Do show up within 10 minutes of the set arrival time. So, for example, if you receive an invitation to attend at party at 6 p.m., plan to arrive between 6 p.m. and 6:10 p.m.
This does not mean it is OK to show up at 6:35 and then be annoyed because the party has started without you. If you are going to be late, call or text the host and let her know you are running behind as well as what time to expect you. Also have the grace to tell her to start the party without you. When you do arrive, take care to not be disruptive.
Having grown up with a parent who was never on time for anything (and I mean anything… church, doctor’s appointments, family events – you name it and we were late for it!) I know first hand how annoying it is to be the latecomer. So for those of you who are perpetually late, set your clocks ahead, create reminders, do whatever you need to do to overcome your tardiness! You’ll be glad you did!
Now go out there and show up on time for something!
Happy Entertaining!
Savvy Entertaining 