Are your date is 30 minutes late? 😤 Here's What To Do

Being Late to a Date: How Long is Too Long to Wait?

How Many Minutes Late is Considered Late? Generally, 10-15 minutes late to a first date starts entering disrespectful territory unless the person communicates an unavoidable delay beforehand. Most dates would agree that someone arriving 20-30+ minutes late for a first date, with no call/text, is very late and grounds to leave.

Is It Okay to Be 20 Minutes Late to a Date?

Being 20-30 minutes late to a first date is rarely considered okay, unless it truly cannot be avoided and you contact your date immediately to inform them. Unexpected emergencies do legitimately come up like traffic delays, work issues, family matters, etc. In those cases,common courtesy dictates calling or texting your date as soon as possible to let them know and apologize. If an unavoidable circumstances arises, most first dates are willing to wait 20-30 minutes. Although keep them updated of your ETA. Arriving very late with no communication generally signals disinterest/disrespect.

What If a Guy is Late to a Date?

The same principles apply regardless of gender. Let's say you are the guy who arriving 20-30 minutes late for a date with no call, text message, or attempted communication. This is disrespectful and grounds for the other person to leave. If an unavoidable delay comes up, contact the girl immediately to say about updated arrival timeframe or try to reschedule the date. Most dates are understanding of legitimate emergencies/issues arising if you communicate about it in a respectful way. But never arrive excessively late without reaching out first. That implies you do not value your date's time.

Is Being Late to a Date a Red Flag?

While back-to-back unavoidable events can randomly happen to make someone late, consistent excessive tardiness signals issues. If someone is perpetually 15 minutes or more late for a date, with excuses and no sincere apologies, that is a red flag. Truly caring about someone means caring about their time too. Excessive lateness signifies at best disorganization/poor planning and at worst apathy toward you. If excessive lateness without communication occurs repeatedly early, it typically will not improve.

What If a Guy is Always Late for Things?

Frequent tardiness 15-30 minutes or more, date after date, is problematic. Occasional delays happen, which is why communicating to keep your date informed is key. But habitual lateness highlights priorities and points to personality flaws. Perhaps this person is too selfish, disorganized, or lacks care to consistently arrive on time for you. Or they harbor time management issues needing improvement. Regardless of reason, habitual lateness 30+ minutes for a date shows your time together is not a priority to them. And that usually will not bode well long term.

Is it Bad Enough if Someone is 30 Minutes Late to Meet You?

Yes, arriving 30 minutes late or more for a first date, without letting the other person know, is very inconsiderate. Unless there is sudden crisis, most dates would not tolerate it. Being 30 minutes late leaves someone hanging, feeling stood up and disrespected. If an extenuating circumstance makes you 30 minutes or more late, you must contact your date immediately with: sincere apology, explanation, and ETA. Leaving them worrying if you'll ever show up is unacceptable.

How to Make Sure Your Date is Not Late Again

Communication is key when delays arise. If your date ends up being unintentionally late, politely address it later. Do not "blow up" but do let them know you felt disrespected. See how they react - are they apologetic? Do they take accountability to improve in future? Or do they downplay lateness, make excuses, and brush you off? How someone handles running late reveals a lot about them. If they sincerely apologize and commit to timeliness going forward, wonderful. But if habitual lateness 30 minutes or more persists date to date without remorse or behavior change, move on. They likely will continue deprioritizing you and the value of your time together long term.

When Being Late Has a Reason

Sometimes delays happen that are truly out of someone's control - a work crisis, medical emergency, accident, etc. In those cases, being 30+ minutes late may be unavoidable. As soon as reasonably possible, contact your date to explain the situation, sincerely apologize, and give an ETA. Most understanding people will wait 30-60+ minutes if they know a legitimate emergency detained you. Delays due to extenuating circumstances beyond your control can be forgiven, especially if you communicate properly.

However, repeatedly being 30 minutes late every date due to poor planning or lack of effort is unacceptable. Chronic tardiness signals you do not respect that person's time. While everyone runs late now and then, consistent delays cross the line from understandable to inconsiderate.

At What Point is Lateness an Apology Crime?

Being unintentionally late one time due to an emergent issue, while keeping your date informed, is not relationship crime worthy. However, when someone still showing for 30 minute or hour late tardiness date after date without remorse, that becomes an issue. At that point lateness graduates from annoying habit to signal you do not respect or prioritize the other person.

Everyone's time is valuable and we all have responsibilities and places to be. If your date chronically leaves you waiting 30, 45+ minutes each time, they likely will not change that disregard long term. At that point, it is reasonable to end things if promptness matters to you. Their ongoing actions communicate you are not worth showing up on time for. And that broken promise damages emotional trust and attachment over time.

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