Brits have ruled that the precise moment “fashionably late” becomes plain rude is 29 minutes. Arriving 15 minutes behind schedule is still considered socially acceptable, but patience runs out just before the half-hour mark. Turning up an hour late may as well be a no-show, with 26% saying being 60 minutes late is out of order.
Almost half have a pal who is always late
The poll, commissioned by Svedka Vodka, found almost half of us have a friend who is always late. A third even tell tardy mates lies that gatherings start earlier than they really do. And “five minutes away” has been named the classic fib, with 26% regularly hearing it from mates who are running behind.
Another 37% know the irritation of receiving a “just leaving now” text when they have already arrived. But turning up early may not win you any friends either.
Psychologist advises arriving eight minutes late
Psychologist Dr Neel Burton reckons arriving ahead of schedule can be “just as rude, if not more so” than being late. He advises deliberately turning up eight minutes behind schedule to social occasions, arguing it gives hosts time to “gather their thoughts”.
Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe was legendary for her poor timekeeping, once keeping reporters waiting for hours for an interview. And Guns N’ Roses rocker Axl Rose became notorious for keeping gig-goers hanging around before shows. According to one tale, he was once late for a 1991 concert because he was engrossed in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II and “couldn’t be bothered” to tear himself away.
