See? This is perfect. The problem is people on the receiving end sometimes think it is an excuse when it is not. You truly were stuck in traffic or whatever the reason. I do the same.
People who know me well know that I'm just stating the fact. And they know that I would not carelessly keep them waiting or deliberately inconvenience them.
The only time it's embarrassing is the rare instance when it's someone new: I can't expect them to know that being late is not my norm.
In general, it's unusual for anything to disrupt the plans.
Some people in my circle have a rubbery sense of time. With them, I arrive on time anyway but bring a book and writing pad to make the time productive.
I got pulled over for "allegedly" driving drunk. It really happened and I was late to work. No, I wasn't drunk, I just failed to signal before I changed lanes on the freeway at 2 am ... a completely empty freeway (for miles in either direction). And I wasn't changing lanes, I was just avoiding a really bad stretch of roadway (massive potholes).
I LOVE THIS! The next time I need an excuse, would you mind if I used it? :) :) Thanks Nevan!
This post was edited by Merlin at September 6, 2018 4:12 AM MDT