A poll finds 32% of Britons tell their always-late friend that plans start earlier than they really do. A fair way to cope with lateness, or a lie between friends?
The poll, commissioned by vodka brand SVEDKA, found 49% of Britons have a friend who is never on time. Respondents put the point where lateness becomes rude at 29 minutes, and 29% think smartphones have made people less punctual.
What happened
A poll commissioned by vodka brand SVEDKA, reported by LBC on 30 September and covered again on 8 October, found 32% of Britons deliberately give their least punctual friend an earlier start time than the real one. Almost half (49%) said they have a friend who is never on time. Respondents put the point where lateness becomes rude at 29 minutes, and 26% said turning up an hour late is unacceptable. 29% think smartphones have made people less punctual.
Why people disagree
Supporters say a fake start time is a harmless, practical fix: the late friend arrives roughly on time, nobody is left waiting, and there's no awkward confrontation. Critics say it's still a lie that treats a friend like a child, can backfire if they turn up early one day, and dodges the honest conversation that might change the habit or reveal a reason behind it.
What's still unclear
The poll was commissioned by a drinks brand, and the coverage doesn't give its sample size or method. It's also unclear whether the trick works long term, or whether chronically late friends simply learn to allow for it.
Sources
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