h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

As a child, I was taught that it was inconsiderate to be late and I still consider this to be the case. After all, an appointment has been arranged and both parties have set aside time from other activities to keep it, so if one person is late then it does suggest that the other person's time is less important to him/her than his/her own. I always try to be on time, especially if it is to see a doctor or someone I know will be busy. Yes, I have made mistakes and missed appointments in the past and had to apologise profusely. I still get stressed though if I feel that I'm going to be late for an appointment through no fault of my own and will try and call ahead if possible.

You sound most considerate, MM. What do you think the etiquette is for ringing someone to tell them that you're going to be late? How close to the alloted meeting time is too close? I've lost count of the occasions people have called me (or texted me) to say they're going to be late at the time we're meant to meet or even after.

If you've actually tried to make an effort to get somewhere in time and have only realised at the last minute that you won't be able to make it, sometimes calling just before the time you were meant to arrive is your only option.
I've never thought of my being late conveying that my time is more important than someone else's, but I'm not often intentionally late. I'm with you on doctors and other professionals with waiting lists. Being late there just pushes everyone else back. To be honest though, if I was late to a appointment with a medical professional, I'd expect them to cancel the appointment if I was late without a very good reason.

I usually 'phone, if I know I'm going to be late when it is quite obvious I won't be on time. Thank goodness for mobiles which have saved me from awkward situations more than once. I think people are more receptive if you at least try to contact them if you are going to be late, whoever they are.

You mention mobiles - do you think mobile phones give people an extra excuse for running late? As now you can always text on the way if you're going to be later than expected.

I certainly hadn't thought of them in this context but I suppose if someone was that way inclined, mobiles could be used in an excuse to be late. I suppose it depends on the intention of the person concerned.

I get the impression that social meetings are rarely pre-arranged these days, but made 'on the hoof'. To my mind that probably means someone waiting for others to turn up, or having to fill some time before others are ready. Among young people of my acquaintance, it seems to work OK but it doesn't suit me.

I agree with you. I prefer pre-arranged meetings but then with mobiles and social media like Twitter I suppose everything is much more flexible now.