Is It More Polite To Be Early or Late?

[Sir Winston Churchill]

I'd like your opinions on this question that popped in my head earlier. Do you think it is more polite to be early to something, or late to something?

Thank you ahead of time.

[Stavroforos]

Depends on what it is. If it's a business appointment or something like that, then early or right on time.

If it's a social event, then I try to be a bit late.

[DekuTrash]

If it's a social event, then I try to be a bit late.

Going a little after starting time is generally a good idea here. I've always liked showing up right on time to all kinds of parties and am usually the first one there for a couple of minutes.

[handsome pete]

I heard that in Spain, Argentina, Bolivia, Mexico, and other Spanish speaking countries countries that it's perfectly acceptable (or even expected) to be late for engagements. The point is that you'll show up, eventually, so you can take your time getting there.

i've heard that too.

[Mediteran]

is this a serious question?

to answer, late obviously, nothing more polite than making people wait for you

[Boer]

It depends on what that something is. Its definitely better to be early to class or work, but most likely better to be late to parties and such, unless you are willing to help with the prep work.

[motiv-8]

Being early is being on time, so the answer to the poll is obvious.

[The Dude]

In Surinam I believe that being early is considered impolite as you're essentially forcing people to adapt to your schedule. Being late is regarded as giving the host more time to prepare and get ready and is therefore perceived as a more polite thing.

At least, this is what I've been told.

[motiv-8]

In Surinam I believe that being early is considered impolite as you're essentially forcing people to adapt to your schedule. Being late is regarded as giving the host more time to prepare and get ready and is therefore perceived as a more polite thing.

At least, this is what I've been told.

Now that is interesting.

Being early is being punctual, being on time is being late and god help you if you're late.

Ah the military, fun sayings for all occasions.

Indeed.

[D.B. Cooper]

I heard that in Spain, Argentina, Bolivia, Mexico, and other Spanish speaking countries countries that it's perfectly acceptable (or even expected) to be late for engagements. The point is that you'll show up, eventually, so you can take your time getting there.

[Poach]

Being early is being punctual, being on time is being late and god help you if you're late.

Ah the military, fun sayings for all occasions.

[removeduser_052420]

In India and Pakistan, if you want someone to come over to your house at 8 PM, then you invite them to come at 5 PM.

[Sir Winston Churchill]

In India and Pakistan, if you want someone to come over to your house at 8 PM, then you invite them to come at 5 PM.

That reminds me of an aunt of mine.

[Farnan]

In India and Pakistan, if you want someone to come over to your house at 8 PM, then you invite them to come at 5 PM.

Same I heard for Afghanistan and the Arab World. Its actually in the pamphlet that the military gives out to soldiers.

[Faint]

I usually try to get a little early for more "formal" appointments.

But when it comes to parties, I'd get a bit later.

[C-Rob]

My band instructor that I had in Highschool had this poster over the white board, "To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, to be late is to be dead"

[★Bandiera Rossa☭]

Early normally, but I assume people have heard of being "fashionably late"

[Hilarion]

Early normally, but I assume people have heard of being "fashionably late"

[Banana Jelly]

It's better to be late, so they can compliment on your skill's to being the douchiest employee, isn't that an compliment?

[Adrian]

Late for me you can make better excuses for it