Chronic lateness can often frustrate friends and colleagues, but recent discussions suggest that it may not simply be a matter of poor manners. The term “time blindness” has gained attention, especially on social media platforms like TikTok, prompting a closer look at whether such behavior stems from neurological issues rather than simply a lack of punctuality.
Time blindness refers to the difficulty in perceiving the passage of time and estimating how long tasks will take. This phenomenon is closely linked to executive function, which is primarily managed by the frontal lobes of the brain. It is frequently associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). As Stephanie Sarkis, a psychotherapist based in Florida, explained to the Associated Press, “Anyone can have issues with running late, but with ADHD, there’s a functional impairment. It impacts family life, social life, work, and money management.”
For Alice Lovatt, a musician and group-home worker from Liverpool, this impairment was evident from an early age. Lovatt noted her struggle with time management before receiving an ADHD diagnosis in her early twenties, often viewing her lateness as a personal failure.
The notion of time blindness itself is not new. Russell Barkley, a retired clinical neuropsychologist from the University of Massachusetts, highlighted the connection between ADHD and time perception decades ago, referring to it as “temporal myopia.” What has changed is the contemporary application of this term to a wider audience, often leading to frustration among those who believe not everyone who is late has ADHD.
Some therapists, such as Jeffrey Meltzer from Florida, emphasize the importance of understanding the underlying reasons for chronic lateness. For some individuals, avoiding early arrival may stem from a fear of awkward small talk, while others may feel overwhelmed by their schedules, leading them to reclaim time at the last minute. Meltzer likens this behavior to “revenge bedtime procrastination,” where people stay up late to regain a sense of control over their day.
The conversation around lateness also opens up discussions about entitlement. Meltzer noted that when a person consistently arrives late yet receives special treatment, the issue may not be neurological. “Maybe they’re 20 or 30 minutes late, and it’s like, ‘Oh, look who is here,’” he said, suggesting that such behavior may be a way to attract attention.
While time blindness can be a legitimate challenge, it does not absolve individuals of their responsibility to others. Sarkis, who also has ADHD, is clear on this point. She advocates for accommodations that can assist those struggling with time perception but cautions against overlooking the impact of lateness on others’ schedules.
Practical solutions to address time blindness often include the use of external timers, checklists, and the practice of overestimating the time required for tasks. Lovatt has adopted a method of breaking her mornings into minute-by-minute steps to improve her reliability. “It doesn’t work 100 percent of the time,” she admitted, “but generally, I am a lot more reliable now.”
Ultimately, the reasons behind chronic lateness can vary widely, and understanding these different motivations can foster empathy among friends and colleagues. Acknowledging the complexities of time blindness does not require infinite patience, but it can foster a more supportive environment for those who genuinely struggle with time perception.
