Image by madmolecule via Flickr

Much of the power structure of a relationship is determined early on through subtle cues. For instance, when you show up to your first date with someone, you set up who is in charge. Typically, the person with more personal power is going to show up later than the more submissive individual. This is a subtle way of showing who’s boss early on without having to say a word about it to the other person.

When you show up late, you demonstrate that you are more worthy than the other person is. If you’re afraid to be the dominant figure in your relationship, this won’t work very well for you. In a lot of cases, a person will actually be so afraid of being late they will show up early. While being early is a sign of courtesy and respect, it isn’t all that attractive. Most people want someone who is going to challenge them, and someone who is willing to show them some disrespect from time to time.

However, the mannerly types are going to continue trying to impose their will on everyone else, and tell you to show up on time or earlier. It’s almost impossible to show up precisely on time, which by default implies that you’ll usually be early to things. As polite as this is when you’re meeting with your boss or a client, when you’re meeting a date it tends to mean you’re being submissive to them. When you submit to your date, don’t act surprised if you get whipped and told that you’ve been bad. This is just how human interactions work.