Ever sit down to do something and suddenly hours have disappeared without a trace? Or maybe you intended to leave the house at 10 a.m., and next thing you know, it’s 11:30 and you’re still in your robe.

If this sounds familiar, you may have experienced something called time blindness.

Ok, ok, I know. If someone in your life is always late, you think they’re being disrespectful. And to be honest? I think they are. It appears that their time is more important than ours. I get it. But that’s because I am chronically on time. Being late is inexplicable to me, especially when people I know to be otherwise thoughtful are not so thoughtful about my time.

But I was intrigued to learn about something called time blindness.

One of the most important things to understand is this: time blindness is not a character flaw. It’s not a lack of willpower or discipline. It’s a brain-based difference in how we perceive time.

So what does time blindness look like?

• Constantly being late—even when you tried to be on time
• Underestimating how long tasks will take (and getting behind because of it)
• Overcommitting your schedule
• Losing track of time when hyper-focused or “in the zone”
• Feeling surprised at how much (or how little) time has passed

Sound familiar? It’s not uncommon, both to have it and to be impacted by someone else’s time blindness.

They say time blindness isn’t about laziness or disrespect. It’s been tied to neurodivergence, especially ADHD, and refers to a person’s impaired ability to sense the passage of time or estimate how long tasks take. For them, the future can feel hazy and disconnected—like it isn’t quite real. That doesn’t make it less frustrating for those of us who live by schedules.

It’s said to get more pronounced as we age, as schedules change and life slows down. In the aging population it can mean forgetting how long it’s been since you last ate, or underestimating how much time a task will take.

Many of us who never had a problem with time management when we were working full-time might find ourselves surprised by how it’s become a bit slipperier now.

Dealing with the Chronically Late

Here are some ways to cope with people who struggle with time blindness—or, as some might say, are chronically late.

1. Understand It’s Neurological, Not Personal

If you buy that this is an actual condition, think about the idea that they’re not being inconsiderate on purpose. Their brains simply don’t process time the same way. Recognizing that can help us shift from irritation to empathy. Think of it as a difference in wiring—not willpower.

2. Be Clear and Specific

Instead of saying “Let’s meet in the afternoon,” say “Let’s meet at 2:00 PM sharp at the café on Main Street.” Give reminders. Follow up. Use digital calendars and shared invites. This helps both of you stay on track.

Of course, I have a friend who is always calling 10 minutes before our appointed time and pushing it later, so not sure how well this works for everyone.

3. Set Boundaries, Not Ultimatums

It’s okay to say, “I can wait 15 minutes, but then I’ll have to go.” That’s not punishment—it’s healthy boundary-setting. You don’t have to organize your life around someone else’s challenges. Boundaries protect relationships, not destroy them.

To me, this is the best approach. Set your boundaries.

4. Use Tools and Tech Together

If this person is open to it, offer to use shared calendars, alarms, or time-blocking apps. Some find visual timers or verbal countdowns helpful. You’re not “fixing” them—you’re collaborating in a way that supports the friendship.

I’m not a fan of owning someone else’s problem. But if it’s a spouse or partner, maybe this would work.

5. Know When to Step Back

If the time blindness is affecting your life too much—missed flights, late pick-ups, constant waiting—it’s okay to limit how you engage. You can love someone and still acknowledge that their struggle doesn’t get to override your peace.

But what if you’re the one who’s always late?

Tips to Manage Time Blindness if You’re the One Who’s Always Late

1. Externalize the clock
   Use visual timers, phone alarms, and calendar reminders to help you “see” time. If you can’t sense it internally, make it external.
2. Break tasks into chunks
   Instead of “clean the house,” break it into small tasks: “Vacuum the living room – 15 minutes.” That helps time feel more manageable.
3. Use transitions and buffers
   Give yourself extra time between tasks or appointments. Think you need 10 minutes to get ready? Give yourself 30.
4. Create routines
   Repetition helps anchor us in time. A simple morning routine or evening wind-down can offer much-needed structure.
5. Be gentle with yourself
   You’re not broken. You’re human. And awareness is the first step to finding what works for you.

Aging Means a New Relationship With Time

As we age, our relationship with time changes. We become more aware of how precious it is—but also, perhaps, more prone to losing track of it.

Instead of beating ourselves up for not being “on time” or “efficient,” we can take a gentler view. Maybe time isn’t something we can always control. Maybe it’s something we learn to dance with—step by step, moment by moment.

I’m still on the fence about whether or not time blindness is a real condition or just an excuse. But I’m open to learning more.

Have you noticed time blindness in your own life or someone you love? I’d love to hear about your experience. Let’s talk.