It is assumed that different nations have a different tolerance level when it comes to a lack of punctuality. Let's put it to the test.
If you are waiting for a train, how late is too late?
If you are waiting for a friend at a cafe, how late is too late?
If you promise to return some money you borrowed from a friend on a specific day, how late is too late?
Canadian perspective:
For a train - 10 minutes is late
For a friend at a cafe - 5 minutes is late
For the repayment of a loan, one month is late, but I start worrying right away.
That's a an interesting question. I believe that being punctual shows that you are well-behaved and care about other people. I think about myself as a reliable person and if I agree to meet at 1.00 o'clock, I will either be on time or inform that I might be late (even if there is a really tiny chance that I will not make it. I realize that long waiting might be irritating.
“When you are courting a nice girl an hour seems like a second. When you
sit on a red-hot cinder a second seems like an hour.”
―
Albert Einstein
Personally, I don't mind waiting for hours if I think something good is going to happen. However, when it comes to paying off a debt, I'm usually very punctual.
i am on time and it seems a disadvantage here!! this is a disadvantage because people aren't care about others time. it is usual to be late even for some minutes in the best conditions. when i have an appointment with others, i feel stress and i prepare very soon and arrive on time. i don't want to make excuses and i tell i am sorry i am late. i prefer to respect myself.
when i have to go somewhere and i know i have to be wait for long time to get bus or taxi, i prefer to walk. so if i was wait more than 5-10 min i start to walk and i turn my head to see bus is coming or not, frequently.
if i am wait for 20 min for a friend, i start to miscall on her phone to remind her i am waiting.and i have a very bad habit. when i wait for long time i feel irritate but when my friend came and tell i am sorry i am late, i reply: no problem. a big lie.
if i borrow money i return it as soon as possible but if i lend money it depend on its amount. another bad habit is, i cant to tell others, when do you can return my money, book,...? so i prefer to don't lend money.
