20 July 2010

Punctuality? (does that exist?) [1]

Hmm.. first post of the monthly series happens to be a cribbing post!

Waiting long for someone (something) can practically drive me crazy. Of course, there could be reasons –  the train didn’t just come, or the bus was late – which could be entertained.

But something worse is that, the late-comer did (does) know about the delay, but the person who’s waiting won’t be informed. Better Be Prompt!

Why don’t they give a call and say, “Hey, I’ll be these many minutes late”. That would give me (or the waiting person) the chance to make better use of time. [Isn’t my/his/her time valuable?]

First of all, be punctual – it is not THAT hard. Many people do that quite well. Even I, such a lazy bum, have been doing it for the past 10-15 years.

Of course, there were times when I was late; and whenever there was telephone connection, I have informed the other party.

Now, it is 7:05, I am still waiting for someone who told me that we’ll meet at 6:45; I haven’t heard anything yet. Luckily, I am at home.

Give or take 5 minutes… other than that, being late cannot be tolerated, without proper ‘letting-me-know’. It feels like my time has NO value.

Making someone wait is like not respecting his/her time (and that person him/herself).

My time is precious; Your time is MORE precious : let this message sink in us.

Signing off, Sands.

7 comments:

Jon said...

I have been to rural parts in Andhra...over there people are not bothered of time at all...people can get late by hours...lucky u!!

Sands | കരിങ്കല്ല് said...

Hi Jon,

I know... the life itself is slow there...

true, lucky me, most of my friends are punctual. :)

sands.

Arun said...

Couldn't agree with you any more mate. It's definitely one of the first things one has to learn in life. One can afford not to care when others come late. But one should always respect others' time no matter who they are. It's a part of being civilised.

Unknown said...

Aahh..!! The wait...!! I remember the golden college days, when I had to keep waiting for long 1-2 hours for my dearest friends.

Atleast you are at home...:-)

Sands | കരിങ്കല്ല് said...

@Hiran..

Emailed the reply ;)

Sakeeb said...

When some people tells you meeting time as 7, they actually mean lets meet between 7:30 and 8. The worst part is they wont tell you directly. Its most important social skill you'll have to learn ;)

Sands | കരിങ്കല്ല് said...

@Arun..

:) ... like the way you put "civilised" :)

@Sakeeb..

I know, I know... have learned it.. but doesn't mean it doesn't annoy me :(