URGENT UPDATE: New insights into the phenomenon of chronic lateness suggest it may not be merely a social faux pas but could stem from a neurological issue known as time blindness. This term, which has gained traction on social media platforms like TikTok, raises critical questions about the underlying causes of habitual tardiness.
Time blindness refers to the difficulty in perceiving the passage of time or estimating how long tasks will take. This cognitive challenge is closely linked to ADHD and executive functioning issues in the brain’s frontal lobes. As Stephanie Sarkis, a psychotherapist in Florida, explained to the Associated Press, “Anyone can have issues with running late, but with ADHD, there’s functional impairment impacting social life, family life, and even money management.”
For Alice Lovatt, a musician and group-home worker from Liverpool, this condition manifested early in life. “I just don’t seem to have that clock that ticks by in my head,” she stated. Lovatt received her ADHD diagnosis in her early twenties, after years of internalizing her chronic lateness as a personal failure.
The roots of time blindness are not entirely new; Russell Barkley, a retired clinical neuropsychologist, connected ADHD with time perception issues decades ago, coining the term “temporal myopia.” However, the current broad application of this label has raised eyebrows among experts and the public alike.
As the conversation around time blindness expands, frustration is growing. Not every individual who struggles with punctuality has ADHD. Jeffrey Meltzer, a therapist in Florida, emphasizes the need to examine behaviors closely. Some people may arrive late to avoid uncomfortable small talk, while others may be overwhelmed by their schedules, practicing what he describes as “revenge bedtime procrastination” to reclaim a sense of control.
Moreover, some lateness patterns may signal deeper issues, such as entitlement. Meltzer noted, “When lateness comes with a pattern of special treatment, it may not be neurological.” He highlighted instances where individuals arriving late receive undue attention, indicating a behavioral pattern rather than a cognitive issue.
Even when time blindness is a genuine condition, it does not absolve individuals from responsibility. Sarkis, who also has ADHD, asserts that while accommodations can be helpful, they do not mitigate the impact of tardiness on others.
Practical solutions to manage chronic lateness often include the use of external timers, checklists, and a habit of overestimating how long tasks will take. Lovatt has implemented a structured approach to her mornings, breaking them into minute-by-minute tasks. “It doesn’t work, like, 100 percent of the time,” she admitted, “but generally, I am a lot more reliable now.”
The reality is that the reasons behind lateness can vary significantly, yet the impact on those affected remains the same. Understanding the underlying causes of chronic tardiness can foster empathy among friends and colleagues, although it does not eliminate the need for accountability.
As this conversation continues to evolve, it is essential for both individuals and those around them to navigate the complexities of time perception and responsibility. Stay tuned for further developments on this pressing topic affecting many in social and professional spheres.