Respect?

Every human is different.   We have different religions (or no religion), we are loyal (or not), we are caring (or brutally mean), etc.   We all have things that bug another human, like another person's foul body aroma.   Of course, we never notice our foul aroma, but we see others.

One of my pet peeves has always been time.  I am very concerned not to waste another's time.  I respect their time and anticipate the same respect in return.  I always show up for a Doctor's appointment 10 minutes early, and they usually make me wait until 10 minutes after my appointment.  I asked about this once, and they said the previous appointment was late.  So I had to stay because of the actions of the others, and they really see no issue with their behavior.

However, either you are like me or are always late and never seem to care about anyone else being inconvenienced by your tardiness.  Regular tardiness reduces the trust I have in that person.   How can I trust that they will not be late in dire need?   If they say, "I will be there at 10" and arrive at 10:40, to me, that carries on to other things in life.

For example, if they say, "I really care for you," does that mean I care, but if something else comes along, I will not care for you as much (be late)?   This is a significant blow to the trust one has in that relationship.  I try hard to accept the unique nature of the routinely tardy individuals, but I still feel betrayed and disrespected.  I am unsure how to overcome that feeling, but I will continue working on it.  Otherwise, I will carry so much anger internally, which will only cause more problems.

Some say chronically late people are not hopeless but hopeful. I see this, as well.  Those who do not respect the time of others are generally more optimistic, while people like me are less optimistic.

Carry on, my friends, carry on...