Fashionably Late

We have all heard that it's good to be fashionably late to a party. This has seemed to spread to other events in life like dinner or meetings. Why do people feel like it's fine to show to things late?

I admit that I have been guilty of showing up late to social events. I've been trying (successfully) to attend everything on time and in a timely manner. I used to be "that guy" that would show up extremely late to social situations. I would tell everyone that my progress to the destination was further than it actually was. I'm sure you've done that yourself. 

It's always awkward being the first one to dinner without knowing exactly who's coming. It's perplexing that we have the means of constant communication but yet it seems that people are communicating less effectively. Actually it's not that baffling since before cell phones, people had to plan things in advance and actually followthrough with making any spontaneous changes.

Then there is the perception of being busy and important by showing up late. Maybe this notion has been ingrained in our minds since doctors, dentists, and even popular restaurants make their customers wait; it creates a natural sense of demand.

I understand there are times where people have a valid excuse to show up late. But the past couple years, I have felt that some people just aren't concerned about be on time to events and are completely comfortable in showing up extremely late. I don't mean a couple of minutes but by tens of minutes and sometimes even hours. And this seems to becoming increasingly more prevalent even though most of us have the time and calendar in our pockets (and majority of us can easily look up travel times to the destination).

There is a certain respect that comes with arriving promptly to things. Just think about it: You wouldn't show up late to impress (e.g. an interview) or for special occasions (e.g. weddings). It is a bit insulting to those who are on time. Showing up late can display disrespect for other people's time or that their own time is far more important than others. It's even worse when everyone has to wait to order their food at dinner due to a late arriver. It can also show others that late-showers are unreliable and selfish.

Hopefully this trend that being late is acceptable does not continue.