Why is everyone always late?

Sir,
I refer to the Ms Jacobson’s letter (December 1) where she complains about audience lateness spoiling a musical performance.

I could not agree more. It seems to be accepted in Cypriot society that it’s OK to be late for every appointment or arrangement and people actually expect others to wait for them without complaint.

Every time I arrange to meet a local they are at least ten minutes late and can even be 45 minutes late. They know that I am waiting by myself but make no effort to be on time.

To me, this shows a complete lack of manners and consideration for the other person, as well as poor time-management.

Another trick they use is to say, “I’ll be there in five minutes,” and they then turn up much later. Why tell the other person five minutes when you know full well that it’s impossible to be there in that time.

I always complain when somebody is late to meet me, but they simply don’t care and come up with a feeble excuse.

Perhaps Cypriots will only learn if the person waiting decides to leave if their appointment is late beyond a certain time, turning the tables and leaving them waiting without an explanation.

Leonidas Stratis,
Nicosia