How late is considered rude?

System

I'm the person who is nearly always early :I

I usually time up to work a minimum of 15 mins early and that's filtered into everyday life. Generally I'd say more than 15 mins late, with no explanation would be rude. If I'm running late I always inform people as it's only polite. Obv there are valid reasons why people might be late so give them some leeway but I think it's good manners to tell people at least.

jaylee3

15 minutes late at the most.

maman

jaylee3 wrote: »

15 minutes late at the most.

I agree and always call from home or text on the way if I'm running late. Also agree that it's odd to give an invitation for the exact time food's going to be ready.


Am curious why there was a poster doing her hair and make up in the kitchen??

System

Why is it rude to be early?

I don't understand that. I mean they recommend you turn up to work/job interviews early so why is it rude in social situations? I'd have thought being late would be ruder!

Person_one

xXMessedUpXx wrote: »

Why is it rude to be early?

I don't understand that. I mean they recommend you turn up to work/job interviews early so why is it rude in social situations? I'd have thought being late would be ruder!

Because people are often last minute getting things sorted and aren't ready for you until bang on. I've been known to still be in the shower or quickly walking the dogs ten minutes before people are due to arrive!

Valli

Maz wrote: »

Thanks for everyone's replies. My daughter has invited two friends tonight for supper at 8, gone to a LOT of trouble and they both rolled up at 8.50 with no apologies or explanations. I think that's just bl00dy rude! If it was me, I wouldn't be inviting them again.

That's the key bit which, IMO, makes it rude.

*Louise*

xXMessedUpXx wrote: »

Why is it rude to be early?

I don't understand that. I mean they recommend you turn up to work/job interviews early so why is it rude in social situations? I'd have thought being late would be ruder!

I would say it generally applies if you are turning up at someone's home. They could still be getting ready, sorting out kids etc. It's awful trying to keep a guest happy when you're only half ready and personally, I would get flustered and forget things (chatting instead of thinking)

If you're meeting at a pub or restaurant, super punctual people can be as early as they like

Lokolo

Surely it depends on how the person has said it?

"Come for 8" to me means, come for 8, don't be any later, can come a bit earlier.

"Come after 8" to me means, don't come until after 8 because I'll still be faffing around.

jackyann

krlyr wrote: »

If I was invited for dinner at 8, I would get there for 7.30-7.45. I can't bear turning up just as dinner is going on the table, I think it's poor manners, I like to be early so I can offer a hand if needed, so the host can settle us in and then get on with cooking, etc.

As someone who has cooked a lot of dinners for many people, that is exactly the time when something might go wrong, I need to run upstairs to change, everything is a mess (and help is more hindrance!)
I have tried to explain to OH that 5-10 mins late is actually helpful & tactful to the host/hostess. More than 15 mins = rude as many have said, except when held up for a reason, and these days, communicated if poss.

seven-day-weekend

If I invited someone for dinner at 8, I would expect them at 8. I wouldn't mind if they turned up at ten to, but would start getting annoyed at ten past.

8.50 without explanation is beyond the pale and I would not invite them again.