Me: “Hey _____. I am running about 10 or fifteen minutes late? Is that okay with you?”

Him: “No… it isn’t ok” (said with a laugh).

I was a bit stunned because I was just going to be fifteen minutes behind.

Me: “Do you mind if I show up at 10:15?”

Him: “If you think about that question, it is going to happen anyway. So, it isn’t whether I am fine with it or not…”

Me: So, what is a better way of saying it?”

Him: “I love you [name]. Apologies but I am going to be 15 minutes late.”

Me: “Apologies ______, I am going to be 15 minutes late.”

Him: “Great. See you then.”

What is the truth about what is going on here?

I called to let my friend know that I would be late. That was the right thing to do.

But, I asked someone else if it was okay with them if I did something.

That is a good example of how people “give up their power.” We hear that everywhere, but that is how it happens every day.

I live in California and with traffic, it is amazing any of us make it to meetings on time. We all have been there and understand.

But, what if someone asks why you will be late?

Me: “I’ll see you as soon as I get there” or “There was something I need to take care of that was beyond my control.”

Anything that you will say come off as an excuse doesn’t lead to regaining your power.

H/T Dr. Stephen Bizal