What qualifies as being late? What qualifies as being on time?
Is being 15 minutes late actually on time?
Ok, hi everyone - my creative juices have been running on empty lately. The world feels like an extremely heavy place, and sometimes (most times), recently, I don’t feel like writing or producing material that has no substance. But maybe exploring seemingly superficial topics is what we need right now.
As of this past February, I have lived in New York for 9 years. (Famously, 10 makes you a real New Yorker) - sigh. There is this culture that exists here that if you’re running 15 minutes late, you’re actually on time. Why does that exist? Can we please get to the bottom of where that originated from…
I have one idea about the origin of this phenomenon - most restaurants offer a “grace period” of 15 minutes before they release your table reservation. This is due to what I believe is the poor MTA + Traffic situation (see Kathy Hochul, see congestion pricing) here in the city.
But I was even more curious, should the 15-minute grace period actually be considered on time? What situations qualify for “grace” and what don’t? As I thought about this more, I wanted to ask my trusted network (always).
What qualifies as being late? What qualifies as being on time?
I polled several friends on this topic and wanted to share my top findings with you.
A 31-year old CEO and PR professional noted that “in NYC you generally get a 15-minute window - as long as it’s communicated. Anything more than that is extremely rude, and a lack of communication is rude.” She added, “That pass is not inclusive of dates (especially if you’re the man), meeting grandparents or parents, dinner reservations, or anything with work - where she notes - if you’re not 5 minutes early, you’re late, and likely won.”
As a 29-year old designer, “with undiagnosed ADHD who loves and respects her community, I’m genuinely doing my best to be on time, but if you want me somewhere on time, please tell me it starts an hour early…!”
32-year old PR professional states, “Anything without a heads up more than 8 mins is rude, and 15 mins is friendship ending.
“As a 29-year old product manager with OCD, I get irritated when people are more than 15 minutes late without a good reason. I think I adjust the buffer based on location because 15 mins accounts for the uncontrollables, like subway delays.But any time beyond 15 is like a mismanagement of time.”
“I cannot speak on this subject because I’m unfortunately chronically late these days!” A 30-year old social media professional exclaimed.
and finally… to quote the great philosopher from Atlanta, Georgia, “Don’t Be Tardy For The Party” - Kim Zolciak
What is clear - seated versus non-seated social gatherings have conflicting rules for what qualifies as being on time. And in my opinion, I do have to agree, it all comes down to advanced communication, even accounting for the buffer of time that is controlled or not, which impacts a delay.
My DMs are open to lively debate @aakauf. Xo