Are you the kind of person that is chronically late for everything? The type of person who won’t show up on time even if their life depended on it? The kind of person that is always expected to be late, and is known for it?

We are not talking about the kind of unavoidable mistakes that cause you to get late, like forgetting your wallet at home or a last-minute mishap.

We’re talking about the kind of late, where no matter how much you prepare, you keep the other person waiting unintentionally.

Running late is not a good look if it’s a repeated pattern. The other person can feel like you don’t value their time or their effort. And we may take our friends for granted in such instances, but that doesn’t make it okay to keep them waiting every time.

But don’t worry, here’s how you can communicate that you’ll be getting late without making the other person feel under-valued.

Notify whoever you’re meeting as soon as possible

It’s best to inform your friend/colleague/family in a time frame that allows them to react appropriately and fix their plan accordingly. Do not tell them you’re getting late AFTER the time you were meant to meet. There’s no harm in prepping whoever you’re meeting for your carelessness. Worst case, you show up on time, and all is forgotten.

Don’t lie

By being honest about why you’re getting late, they recognize you taking responsibility for your actions, and you seem more legitimate.

Apologize

This shouldn’t be a shocker, so if you haven’t already, just say sorry. Please acknowledge that you’re making them waste their time too, and you realize how you’re impacting their routine.

Thank them

It might be wise at the end of your meeting to thank them for waiting for you. They could’ve had the opportunity to leave and reschedule or completely disregard the plan as a whole, but deemed you as worthy of meeting and waited.

Additionally, emphasize you are going to make it right to them. Buy them a cup of coffee, or show them some gratitude by dropping them home.