Better late than never?

How much do you tolerate tardiness in a relationship?

Being on time plays a big role when you first start dating someone. It's part of that whole first impression deal. But once you get comfortable with a partner, your tolerance for his/her willingness to be on time often slides.

We all encounter unexpected delays, but I rate habitual lateness as one of my biggest deal breakers.

Consistently being late for dates subtly indicates the effort you're willing to put in a relationship. If you can't get off your couch and stop watching "Family Guy" in time to shower before our 8 p.m. dinner reservation, you're out.

Yet there's definitely a double standard in the lateness debate. I think women often expect guys to give them a 15- to 20-minute grace period on their arrival time. Meanwhile, they hold those same men to an impeccable standard of timeliness.

Thoughts?