“Time isn’t the main thing. It’s the only thing.” However, Reddit userLateSchlatebegan to think that one of her friends probably wouldn’t realize this if she didn’t take drastic action. The woman was constantly late to all of their meetings!

So, the Redditor told her to be punctual if she wanted to preserve their relationship. At first, it looked like the message got through, but when the two of them agreed to have brunch, the friend reverted to her own personal time zone, and all hell broke loose.

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Woman looking at her watch, appearing stressed about time, outdoors in business attire.

Image credits:benzoix (not the actual photo)

So this woman decided to stop giving her friend a pass for being late everywhere they go

Text discussing a woman’s lateness and a friend’s frustration over time management.

Text discussing a woman being late and upset at her friend for eating without her, with a suggestion to give her an earlier time.

Two women sitting on a couch, having a serious conversation about being late.

Image credits:freepik (not the actual photo)

Woman dining at a restaurant table, enjoying her meal with a fork, a glass of orange juice beside her.

Image credits:freepik (not the actual)

Image credits:LateSchlate

The actual number might be different in other cultures, but Americans believe the woman would have been late even if she arrived only 15 minutes after the agreed time

Astudyof 3,000 American adults discovered that “early is on time,” with more than half admitting they consider themselves “obsessed” with timekeeping.

The Redditor’s friend got offended because she didn’t wait for her for half an hour, but the survey revealed that anything past 13 minutes is usually considered “late,” and 56% of respondents said they plan ahead to ensure they are never running behind schedule.

However, the data also revealed that seven in ten friend groups have a person who is notorious for being late (even though less than a quarter admitted they are “that friend”).

And, on average, it only takes being late five times for people to be upset with you.

The study found the most popular excuses for being late include blaming the traffic (37%), a morning alarm not going off (33%), and the car not starting (32%).

There’s a good chance the friend isn’t fond of her old habit either, as Americans typically feel anxious (43%), annoyed (36%), and concerned (28%) if it’s looking like they’re going to be late somewhere. But, of course, that doesn’t give her the right to repeatedly disrespect others like this.

People said the woman had every right to enforce her boundaries

Reddit comment discusses conflict over a woman being late and angry at friends for eating without her.

Reddit comment discussing someone being late and not waiting to order food, emphasizing tardiness isn’t a virtue.

Text exchange about a woman being chronically late, friend eats without her. Discussion on relationship priorities.

Text about a woman angry at a friend for eating, despite being late, questioning the value of their company.

Text comment discussing a woman’s lateness and its impact on friendship dynamics.

Comment on punctuality dispute, addressing notification about eating plans.

Comment criticizing chronically late people as selfish, reflecting views on lateness and time management.

Text exchange about a woman being late and upset at a friend for eating without her, highlighting respect for people’s time.

Text screenshot discussing a woman’s tardiness and its impact on a friend’s feelings.

Text exchange about being late and friendship dynamics.

Text from a user discussing issues with friends who are chronically late and its impact on relationships.

Text post discussing issues of lateness and respect for others' time in a social context.

Comment discussing being late and getting upset, with username devil1fish.

Comment about being chronically late, humorously termed as “Time Optimist.

Reddit comment addressing lateness, suggesting to call out the woman for her reaction.

Text comment discussing friendship issues and tardiness.

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