You probably have a relative or friend who is chronically late. Some psychological studies claim that not being on time for a social engagement or business meeting is typical of a narcissistic person who thinks only of him- or herself and is indifferent to the effects of making others wait. In other words, this behavior reveals an inability to put oneself in another's shoes, i.e. a lack of empathy. You've probably also heard the excuses: they just had to answer that email, or take that call, or the traffic was bad.

Others have explained chronic lateness in terms of poor management skills. This type of person is always behind in his or her work. They have no intention of not arriving at appointments on time but just can't get it all together. They get so involved in what they are doing that they have no idea what time it is; when they finally get up to leave, they are already behind schedule. Most of those who fall in this category of chronically late people feel bad about their lack of self-control and are willing to consider options which will help them get where they need to go on time.

Being on time is an important part of civility and the respect we have for others. Jewish teachings regard wasting another person's time as a kind of stealing. That is why an article on gigaom.com by Karen Leland immediately grabbed our attention. She contends that those who are chronically late suffer from "time denial" — the repeated underestimation of the amount of time it will take to do something. She believes that this malady is especially challenging for those who work from their homes.

Leland suggests three solutions to those afflicted with time denial:

1. Begin with the end in mind. Give yourself the chance to carefully estimate the time you will need to do all the things necessary for getting to your appointment on time.
2. Consider the worst-case scenario. Always plan a 10 percent buffer for emergencies, changes, and delays of game.
3. Don't underestimate the little things such as gathering your wallet, purse, keys, and directions so you don't waste valuable time at the last moment tracking them down.

In The Book of Jewish Values, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin writes: "The commandment 'love your neighbor as yourself ' means to do for another person what you would like others to do for you. When it is important to you that others be on time, you appreciate it when they arrive punctually or a little early. Do the same for them."

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