Name: Anonymous 2009-08-30 19:09
I require clarification on the social etiquette in regards to the suffix "...or so". For example, when someone tells me they're going to meet me in "An hour", that means they're going to meet me in an hour, and any later than that is a breach of contract. If they arrive earlier, that's great, but then if I don't show up until an hour later, I cannot be held liable for any waiting taken on their part. May not be mutually satisfying, but is clear who is at fault in either case.
However, it has become a more standard practice to affix a time estimate with "...or so", to indicate that there is no guarantee that said meetup will take place in exactly an hour. But this leaves the issue of liability far less defined -- at what point is someone to be considered late? If I arrive in an hour, and they arrive after an hour and a half, is that still within the constraints of "...or so"? Or are they in fact deserving of the punch in the face that I so want to give them? Similarly, if they show up in 50 minutes, and have to wait 20 minutes for me to arrive after an hour ten, am I at fault?
This is becoming a more and more common occurrence, and the lack of clearly defined boundaries are making social interaction difficult. Please provide enlightenment if you are able.
However, it has become a more standard practice to affix a time estimate with "...or so", to indicate that there is no guarantee that said meetup will take place in exactly an hour. But this leaves the issue of liability far less defined -- at what point is someone to be considered late? If I arrive in an hour, and they arrive after an hour and a half, is that still within the constraints of "...or so"? Or are they in fact deserving of the punch in the face that I so want to give them? Similarly, if they show up in 50 minutes, and have to wait 20 minutes for me to arrive after an hour ten, am I at fault?
This is becoming a more and more common occurrence, and the lack of clearly defined boundaries are making social interaction difficult. Please provide enlightenment if you are able.