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Today's diary
I started to take private Swedish lessons a few weeks ago.
My teacher came from Sweden and was studying Korean.
We could be grew close to each other quickly because we were of the same age.
I liked her except for one thing: She was not a punctual person.
I always observe the time and I think it's very important to be on time when we meet other people.
Every time we met, she was either was ("Either was" just doesn't sound as nice as "was either". But both are correct!) late or changed the time right before the meeting.
I understood it at first. (Even the fourth times!!!!) But it was getting out of hand.
Today, she even canceled our class while I was going to see her.
She said she had final exams and she was too tired to teach.
I said to her that she was not responsible or polite.
She should've told it ("said it" or "told me") at least a day ahead. Then, I could understand her situation.
I said I wanted to stop taking lessons and asked for a refund.
She said it really hurt her feeling and I was too harsh on a student from another country.
I was aghast to hear that she thought I was a bit strong to hard on her.
Is it okay not to be punctual in foreign countries? What nonsense!
Anyway I feel really sad for losing my friend and teacher.
It depends on the country, JSY. In the United States, it is not polite to be late. You should arrive at most places a few minutes early. If it is something like an interview, you should arrive fifteen or twenty minutes early. In most Latin countries, like those in South America, punctuality is not as important. People are often late for things. But it is not rude where they come from, and it doesn't come from a lack of thought for the other person. The entire culture is more relaxed about time. Most European countries, however, are very punctual. I think your former teacher wasn't being very thoughtful about the fact that you have a schedule too. If she had too much work to do, or too much studying to do, she would have known about it well before your lesson.