If you are known as that friend who’s always late, then fear not. Science has found that there are many good qualities associated with tardiness. You’re probably a positive person who is adventurous and fun. On the flip side, if you are the friend who’s at the other end of the lateness equation—the one who’s always waiting—then perhaps once you understand the way the tardiness mindset works, you’ll become more appreciative and understanding.
Here are some of the interesting and awesome qualities that help explain why some of us are always dashing toward the finish line of punctuality (usually not quite making it).
Time feels like it’s passing more slowly
Jeff Conte of San Diego State University conducted an experiment involving A Type personalities (high strung, high achievers) versus B Type (laid-back). According to an article in The Tab, Conte then set a timer for one minute. When the timer went off, he asked each participant to estimate how much time had gone by.
The A Types answered, on average, around 58 seconds, while the B Types thought that about 77 seconds had gone by. Therefore, time actually felt like it was passing more slowly.
That 18 seconds may not seem like a significant gap but stretched out over an hour, that leaves a margin of error of 18 minutes. No wonder these B Types are always 5 minutes late!
According to cardiologist they are less likely to experience heart disease
People who are chronically late are wired to feel less stress. According to a study in the International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology, A Types typically have a fear of “negative evaluation.” Meaning they worry people will think badly of them or be angry if they’re, let’s say, 5 minutes late. However, B Types, for the most part, don’t have this fear. So, it’s easy to see why B Types tend to not only arrive late but also be more laid back and experience less stress.
Late people are far more optimistic
Late people are typically so because they are trying to squeeze as much into their day as they possibly can. They approach their to-do list with a large dose of optimism and therefore underestimate how long their list is going to take. They also take this approach with where they have to be, and they’re estimating travel time. They tend to hope for or remember a time when the freeway was free of traffic, but then ignore the fact that 90% of the time it’s packed with cars. Optimism!
This optimism and positivity is associated with success
People who are more positive tend to incite more confidence in fellow co-workers and customers. These positive personalities also perform better as salesmen. Their optimism keeps them from being discouraged by setbacks. As reported in an article by Steve W. Martin in The Harvard Business Review, “top performers are able to handle emotional disappointments, bounce back from losses, and mentally prepare themselves for the next opportunity to compete.”
They are often completely engrossed in a task and lose track of time
Do you know someone who is always going for a hike or a pottery class or some other past time outside of work? Well, is that person a friend of yours that is always late? Probably so. Those who always seem to be falling behind on time usually have hobbies that they are hyper-focused on and have trouble getting out of “the zone” and checking the clock.
They are Enthusiasts
According to an article in The Tab, late people fall into the Enneagram Personality Type of “Enthusiast.” The positives of these individuals are that they are ‘extroverted, spontaneous, high-spirited and playful.’
They like to beat the odds
Consciously or subconsciously they enjoy the rush of beating the clock or defying the odds. It’s as if they can’t motivate themselves to get showered, dressed and ready to leave until the deadline looms razor close. The way they see it, getting ready at a leisurely pace is boring and bogs down their energy. Also, why would they get ready on time when they’re just going to have to sit around and wait on their other late friends to arrive?
Which brings us to the next point…
They are understanding when others are late
Chronic behind-the-deadliners know what it’s like to rush around at the last minute only to get stuck in traffic and have to send an apology text. They get it! And they are, therefore, understanding. They don’t focus on the minutia. They’re just excited to see you and enjoy the fun you two are about to have. And you probably will have fun because as discussed, your late friend is probably optimistic, spontaneous, exciting and enthusiastic!
Hey, nobody is perfectly punctual all the time. Especially if you live in a big city where traffic can be unpredictable. So, next time your buddy is late again, instead of greeting them with a chiding remark, shrug your shoulders and be grateful that they’ll be understanding when it’s your turn to send the apology text.
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About The Author: Alexa Opal Hamilton is the author of three books and her genres range from dystopian Sci-fi to Romance. She is also a comedy writer who has written sitcom spec scripts, along with hilariously animated blogs and comic strips. Born and raised in west Texas, Alexa now travels all over North America (usually moving twice a year) with her hockey-player husband and two children. When she’s not writing, Alexa enjoys reading, running and spending time with her family.
