A practical approach
What matters here
Contact the host as soon as you know you will be late, give a realistic arrival time, and avoid asking the whole group to delay unless the host chooses to do so. On arrival, apologise briefly and join the flow of the occasion.
ED principle
Rules are useful starting points. Judgement comes from combining consideration, context, culture, consequence and the actual relationship in front of you.
Questions to ask yourself
- Who is affected by the choice I make?
- Is this a social convention, an organisational policy, a cultural expectation or formal protocol?
- What would reduce awkwardness without creating a larger problem?
- Is there a host, organiser, policy or specialist who should be treated as the authority?
Reviewed 2026-09-01. Educational guidance only; high-stakes diplomatic, legal, safeguarding or compliance matters may require specialist advice.