Chronic lateness, often perceived as rudeness, may have deeper roots than simple disregard for time. The term “time blindness” has gained attention, suggesting that this condition affects individuals’ ability to perceive time accurately. This concept raises important questions about whether chronic lateness stems from neurological issues or behavioral choices.
Time blindness refers to the difficulty in sensing the passage of time or estimating how long tasks will take. It is closely linked to executive function, which is managed by the frontal lobes of the brain. This condition is frequently associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). According to Stephanie Sarkis, a psychotherapist based in Florida, “Anyone can have issues with running late; just with ADHD, there’s functional impairment. It impacts family life and social life. It impacts work, money management, all areas of life.”
For individuals like Alice Lovatt, a musician and group-home worker from Liverpool, the challenges of time management began early in life. “I just don’t seem to have that clock that ticks by in my head,” she shared with the Associated Press. Lovatt was diagnosed with ADHD in her early twenties and previously viewed her chronic lateness as a personal failure.
The concept of time blindness is not new; it was first linked to ADHD by Russell Barkley, a retired clinical neuropsychologist at the University of Massachusetts. He termed it “temporal myopia” decades ago. What has changed is the broader application of this label to various individuals who struggle with punctuality.
Frustration arises when people conflate chronic lateness with ADHD. Jeffrey Meltzer, a therapist in Florida, emphasizes the need to explore underlying motivations for tardiness. For some, the discomfort of small talk leads them to arrive late intentionally. Others might feel overwhelmed with their schedule and seek to reclaim lost time. Meltzer likens this behavior to “revenge bedtime procrastination,” a trend where individuals stay up late to regain a sense of control over their lives.
Another aspect that complicates the discussion around chronic lateness is the perception of entitlement. Meltzer pointed out that when habitual lateness is accompanied by a pattern of receiving special treatment, it may not be related to a neurological issue. He noted, “Maybe they’re 20, 30 minutes late, and it’s like, ‘Oh, look who is here.’ So it’s a way to kind of get attention.”
Even in cases where time blindness is a genuine concern, it does not absolve individuals of responsibility. Sarkis, who also has ADHD, firmly believes that while accommodations can assist those affected, they do not negate the impact of lateness on others.
Practical solutions often overshadow philosophical discussions about the issue. To combat time blindness, individuals are encouraged to utilize external timers, checklists, and overestimate how long tasks will take. Lovatt, for instance, has adopted a structured approach to her mornings, breaking them into minute-by-minute tasks. “It doesn’t work, like, 100 percent of the time,” she explained. “But generally, I am a lot more reliable now.”
Ultimately, the reality is that chronic lateness can stem from various sources while eliciting similar feelings in those waiting. Understanding the causes of this behavior can foster empathy without requiring unlimited patience. Recognizing time blindness as a legitimate issue offers a pathway for constructive conversations about punctuality and personal responsibility.
