How can I apologize for showing up too early for a gathering?

Question

I got the start time confused by 2 hours. It was an extremely informal gathering, the event was to teach puppies it s ok to be held by other people. No food or drinks to be served. The host did not seem harried. Knowing I traveled a long way, she was super gracious, greeting me and having me in for a spell to see puppies as planned.

What can I do to bounce back from this mistake?

Anonymous · Answer

I'm not sure you should apologize if the person was cool with it. You did that person a favor by coming to help train puppies. If you want to make it all good, just write a thank you card or note thanking them for letting you in to play with adorable puppies! I'm sure they understand the rest of the problem, unless they're not worthy as your friend. Clearly you are very conscientious. In places like Germany, for ex, lateness is rude, so being early isn't like you don't care.

If it happens again on accident, offer to come back later or to stay and help tidy, etc, without then just blocking the person from getting things done by chatting away and not doing something real.

sprite · Answer

You can not do it again.  What's done is done.  Why dwell on it?  As you said, the host didn't mind.

Pearl L · Answer

i wouldnt worry about, just help her out more , she'll be glad you came early to help her out, people get confused about the time, it happens

LizB · Answer

If she didn't mind then it's a non-issue. A "sorry, I got the time wrong" was enough. If you being there early was that much of an inconvenience she would have asked you to come back later. Maybe she didn't mind the company.

Anonymous · Answer

I would apologize and ask if I could help out with anything

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How can I apologize for showing up too early for a gathering?

5 Answers