Journal · April 28, 2026
The 'I'm Running Late' Text: A Field Guide
What to put in the message when you're going to be late — and what to leave out. Six tested templates.
By Mindaugas Laucius
[YOUR INTRO HERE]
The shape of a good "I'm running late" text
Three components, no more.
- A revised ETA, not a story. "I'll be there by 9:25" beats "the train".
- A small acknowledgment. "Sorry — see you in ten" lands softer than no acknowledgment at all.
- An offer, if there is one. "Should I dial in for the first part?" gives the receiver something to do with the message.
Templates
Work meeting
"Running about 8 minutes behind. I'll dial in from my phone for the first part — start without me."
Coffee with a friend
"Sorry — I'm 10 out. Order me whatever the seasonal one is."
Picking up a kid
"I'm 15 behind, hit traffic. Can you let [teacher] know? Heading there now."
Restaurant reservation
"Hi, this is [name] on the 7:30. I'll be 12 minutes late — if you have to give the table away, I understand."
Doctor / appointment
"Stuck in traffic, will be there at 2:10 instead of 2pm. Should I keep coming or reschedule?"
Job interview
"Subway delay. Will be at the office at 10:18 instead of 10:00. Happy to push to a later slot if that's easier — flagging in case."
What to leave out
- The reason. Unless it's truly informative, it isn't.
- Promises ("I'll never be late again"). Don't write a contract over a 12-minute delay.
- Apology spirals. One "sorry" is enough.
The honest alternative
The honest version is the one that respects the receiver's time more than your discomfort. "I should have left earlier" is sometimes the most generous thing you can say.
[YOUR PERSONAL TAKE HERE]