I absolutely cannot stand being late, like the OP my mother got us arriving late no matter where we were going, and now I over compensate lol I am anywhere from 15-30 minutes early, partial defense is knowing that Atlanta traffic is never predictable
If I have a dinner party and say starts at 6 or 7 or whenever....people better be there by that time. "fashionably late" is not acceptable in my book. Im ALWAYS ready one hour prior to start time. If I cooked food, you'd better be there on time or Im going to start eating without you and your food will be cold.
If its acceptable to me for you to be there at a non specific time I will say...party starts at 7 and ends at 10 and its up to you when to show up....but if you dont show up til 930 dont get your panties in a wad when I kick you out after only being there for 1/2 hour.
I absolutely cannot stand it for people to be late, especially chronics. If you cant respect me enuff to be there when you say you will....unless someone is dying or bleeding....dont bother telling me you'll be there.
I'm well known for leaving if someone is 10 minutes late and has not called to let me know.
I will not "baby" people by telling them an earlier start time just so they are there on time....I did that for years and decided, fuck it I'm not their mother