Mike Birbiglia's Lighthearted Take on Punctuality: Why Being Late Drives Us Crazy

Mia Nightshade

Updated Thursday, August 15, 2024 at 12:00 AM CDT

Comedian Mike Birbiglia has a knack for turning everyday frustrations into laugh-out-loud moments, and his latest video is no exception. In a clip gaining traction on social media, Birbiglia dives into the timeless debate of punctuality, delivering a comedic yet relatable rant on why latecomers are the bane of an on-time person’s existence.

"What late people don't understand about us on time people is that we hate you," Birbiglia quips. He drives the point home by explaining that being on time is simple: "You just have to be early, and early lasts for hours, and on time just lasts a second, and then you're late forever." This punchline sets the stage for a cascade of reactions that range from empathetic nods to humorous confessions.

The video has sparked a lively discussion online. One viewer shared, "It never fails to annoy me when I make the effort to be at least 5 minutes early, then have to wait for someone to roll in 15 minutes late." Another chimed in, "At least call and let me know you're going to be late." These remarks highlight a common frustration among those who value punctuality.

Others have shared their personal struggles with time management. "I have time blindness, executive dysfunction, and am not a morning person. I've told my boss I need coverage for anything early in the morning because I know I will struggle to be there," one commenter revealed, shedding light on the challenges some face in adhering to strict schedules.

Birbiglia's fans also joined the conversation, with one declaring, "One of my all-time favorite comedians! Thanks!" while another humorously stated, "Sorry...am I too late to add a comment to this?" The diverse range of reactions underscores the universal nature of the topic.

Some comments reminisced about a time before cell phones, where being slightly late could cause significant concern. "Grew up in the era of no cell phones. 5 minutes late meant you were dead in a ditch or clearly he/she hated you," one user remarked, adding a nostalgic twist to the discussion.

Interestingly, some users offered practical advice for overcoming tardiness. "I used to be a late person, then I learned a trick. When I am ready, and I think, 'I still got 15 minutes before I have to leave…' No! NO! Leave now. Now, instead of being 10 minutes late, I’m 5 minutes early," shared one insightful commenter.

However, not everyone agrees on the gravity of being late. "You wanna be early, be early. Wanna be late, be late. Wanna be mad about stuff you can't control, you do you. I'm just happy to get together with people I care about," one user philosophically noted, emphasizing the importance of the quality of time spent together rather than the punctuality itself.

Mike Birbiglia’s video has clearly struck a chord, eliciting a broad spectrum of emotions and opinions. Whether you’re perpetually early or chronically late, his humorous take on the subject offers a moment of laughter and perhaps a bit of introspection. So next time you’re rushing to be on time, remember Birbiglia’s words and maybe, just maybe, leave a few minutes early.

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View source: Imgur

Top Comments from Imgur

SpartaWolf117

It never fails to annoy me when I make the effort to be at least 5 minutes early, then have to wait for someone to roll in 15 minutes late

seakoos

At least call and let me know you're going to be late.

erikleorga

At my last retail job I had 2 choices. Leave for work at 6:45am and get there by 7:20-7:30 on the average and be too early. Or wait even another 10 minutes and have a strong likelihood of being late for my 8am start time. Traffic was always that consistent/inconsistent.

XMigs

Sorry...am I too late to add a comment to this?

Salticido

I have time blindness, executive dysfunction, and am not a morning person. I've told my boss I need coverage for anything early in the morning because I know I will struggle to be there. We pick up the slack for each other's weaknesses so everything runs smoothly. I'm grateful to work in a positive environment.

vericon151

Geez, you people complain. Grew up in the era of no cell phones. 5 minutes late meant you were dead in a ditch or clearly he/she hated you.

pimeatuli

As someone with adhd, I think about the thing for the entire day. Plan when I wanna leave to get there on time/earlier. Yet my brain doesn't wanna collaborate and I might end up being late. Can't help it, I never do it on purpose.

34DaysUntilCourt

The only thing worse then late ppl are the people who show up way too f***ing early

GhostbusterGuy

Here's the thing though, being early is not easy for everyone.

bippityboppitybuttsex

So, I was professionally trained to be 15 minutes prior to the 15 minutes prior, I am always early... now, if you show up on time, everything's cool, we cool. If you show up one minute late, I have now been waiting 31 minutes for your a** and all I can think about is how inconsiderate you are.

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