2006-12-09 10:34:53 · 5 answers · asked by Kaye G 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
depends on where you are
2006-12-09 10:36:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As an American expat living overseas I can definitly say (among other westerners) we consider it much more normal to be late. It's most obvious by the way the timing works according to the majority of whoever is involved at a particular location. Here in KL where it seems to be more British everyone is five minutes early and whatever event from a meeting to a party start right on time. The Americans tend to mention that they are always surprised by guests since we usually expect people to be on time or 15 min. late with the event starting after the appointed time not right on it. I don't think it's a status thing for us so much as an accepted habit.
2006-12-13 15:37:52 · answer #2 · answered by Sasha62 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is actually a complicated issue, because in general in America, whether or not you are late has to do with your status. The higher status person can be later than the lower status person. For example, if you have an appointment with the President of the United States, you are supposed to be on time, but it's okay for him to be late. For the same reason, many professors are offended if you come late to class because it implies that you think you are higher status than they are.
Also, there are different kinds of events that it's okay to be late to. Open houses, obviously, but also with certain kinds of parties the hosts don't expect the guests to arrive exactly on time. If you are going to have a sit-down dinner, you should be on time because the hostess is planning to have the food ready at a certain time and the food could get cold. But if it's a more casual party, you could arrive late and it wouldn't be a big deal.
In the area where I live, it's quite a common observance that being late is part of the culture. But we're not late for everything.
2006-12-10 00:33:40 · answer #3 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Need mor info. I was always taught that if you are on time you are late, so I try to besomewhere @ least 5 min early.. So no we are not always late. That is the best I can manage to answer your partial question w/o more info.
2006-12-09 18:38:00 · answer #4 · answered by tera_duke 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What?
2006-12-09 18:42:16 · answer #5 · answered by Fish <>< 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋