Him and I invited 2 friends of his and their wives/fiancees over for lunch. We said they should be here for 11am.
Because of the rain, I had to abandon plans for a BBQ and instead was up until 3am making quiches, vegetable terrine and carrot cake with frosting.
It's now 11.55am and none of them are here. My Mozz and Tomatoes are getting warm, and the dip and chips are looking wilted.
Is this usual for American people?
You have my sympathy. I'm afraid this IS typical - and in fact in my experience it is also typical for people to show up when they said they would not or not show up when they said they would.
I hope by now they are here and that your lunch is going well. )
I'm sorry that both of you have experienced this, and I certainly cannot speak for the masses of americans, but I was raised to believe in punctuality, and anything less is just plain rude. Of course, circumstances arise that can sometimes prevent it, but I was brought up to believe that a quick phone call and an explanation goes a long way! I hope that if your guests didn't arrive, you sat down and enjoyed your meal before it went to waste.
It's Sunday, they probably still in bed, unless they have children, or maybe they're at Church -?
We've gotten used to this and just say we start eating when the foods ready, if you're not here you'll only get what's left, when they look amazed we insist we eat as family, and family does as the cook says.
lol
Him and I invited 2 friends of his and their wives/fiancees over for lunch. We said they should be here for 11am.
Because of the rain, I had to abandon plans for a BBQ and instead was up until 3am making quiches, vegetable terrine and carrot cake with frosting.
It's now 11.55am and none of them are here. My Mozz and Tomatoes are getting warm, and the dip and chips are looking wilted.
Is this usual for American people?
I would have to agree that this is fairly typical.
A girl I work with quit and her last day was Friday. One of the guys organized a get together as a send-off. Loads of people said they'd go.
Sould have been about 20 people but only about 6 of us showed up.
I know what the bloke's gonna say on Monday to those who didn't go........"Look, if the f***ing Brit who's worked here for less than a year can show up then so could you".
He's gotta point though.
I can't stand being late and am obsessively early for things. Only problem is my wife isn't the same way so going places with her makes me nervous because we usually only just make it on time.
As far as other people being late, I'm ok with anything up to half an hour, but beyond that I get ticked off. Without a call or something, it is rude, American or not.
I think it has something to do with the fact that Americans eat cold food. Have you noticed that? No timing involved at all.
But, on the other hand, I think punctuality is important - but seems to be going down the tube - fast.
Oh I am so glad I am not the only one with the cold food thing annoyance!
I fight to keep all the food hot, specially with something like a big roast dinner. My mother always managed it and I have no idea how!
The nasty habit of not reheating leftovers and eating them cold by the males in this family makes me want to puke too....
WHY?
Back to the original post about lateness. I am habitually late, always caused by dear hubby, but I ALWAYS call to apologise and give ppl an arrival time. Most friends know not to expect us on time now which is really sad...
Sarah
I always time things to be ready at around 90 minutes after I've asked people round. It might be something to do with the fact we only have the same few people round and they're always late.
How late did they eventually turn up?
I think it has something to do with the fact that Americans eat cold food. Have you noticed that? No timing involved at all.
But, on the other hand, I think punctuality is important - but seems to be going down the tube - fast.
Too bloody right, I actually don't eat out as much as I would like because I am so sick to death of eating food that is tepid. My wife and all other locals think I am mad and that I must not be able to taste food so hot, then my parents visited and we were all sending back food to the kitchens to get warmed up!! This is a shame because one of my favorite pastimes used to be dining out and now I really do not look forward to the times when we have to.
Im one of these be early types a habit I got into when in sales.
I keep Vince Lombardi time which goes like this *if your not 15 mins early you are late *
We usually leave enought timE to get to appointments following murphys law that* if something can go wrong it will * meaning traffic holdups etc .
MY wife in her executive capacity doesnt have to be at work until 8 am after all the minions have started but inverably gets there by 7-7.15am
Some folks have a adversion to *being first * and many if they do get to the appoinment on time will sit and wait until (somebody else goes in ) only to follow .
As far as poeple arriving at my place for dinner late its just tough luck if its ready at the allocated time and some folks are missing they get left overs or warm and picked over food ,if you snooze you lose .
As for professional meetings lateness for work etc i dont take to lightly to that ,expecially if they use the some old lame excuse . alarm didnt go of , car wont start etc .
If you turn up early to my gaff you'll not be popular, eh, Ben? lol
They turned up at 12.00 and 12.10. Was a bit annoyed, but we had a very nice lunch with them all the same, and after 4 beers, I'd forgiven them for their tardiness.
Stel.
Perhaps there was a mix-up over the times? Glad you got there in the end D