The Late Show: When Punctuality Became Optional
from The Manners Lab
In this episode of The Manners Lab, James and Diane tackle the universal frustration of the perpetually late. We open with a listener's horror story about a wedding guest who strolled in during the vows, then dig into what punctuality actually signals in modern life. James lays out the old-school rule: being on time is a sign of respect, and being late is an insult. Diane challenges that, exploring how ADHD, executive dysfunction, and different cultural norms around time have reshaped what 'on time' even means. Together they examine the difference between occasional lateness and chronic disrespect, and how to address it without nuking a relationship. They also get practical: what do you do when your friend is 20 minutes late to dinner, your colleague late to a meeting, or your date keeps you waiting? The verdict lands on a middle ground—grace for the occasional slip, boundaries for the pattern. The episode wraps with a listener question about a roommate who is always late for shared plans, and a closing thought on time as the one gift you can't get back.
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