Indians' Perception of Time
How Indians view time and the importance of being punctual was another aspect of Indian culture that was very difficult to get used to. As soon as I stepped foot off the airplane after landing in Delhi, this was something that I encountered. Our family friend Gauri was over 45 minutes late picking me up at the airport. This left me feeling vulnerable and helpless, stranded in the Delhi airport with no way of contacting her, since I initially thought her mom was coming to pick me up.
This is just on example of how time works in India. They are easygoing and laidback--if something happens, it happens. If something doesn't happen, no big deal. They are happy to be flexible with their plans, and contact with friends and family is of utmost importance. Plans change frequently, interruptions and distractions are embraced.
Becoming comfortable with this attitude towards time was not easy, and oftentimes left me feeling frustrated; however, this is just how things are run in India. There is nothing wrong with 'polychronic time,' it's just different.
This is just on example of how time works in India. They are easygoing and laidback--if something happens, it happens. If something doesn't happen, no big deal. They are happy to be flexible with their plans, and contact with friends and family is of utmost importance. Plans change frequently, interruptions and distractions are embraced.
Becoming comfortable with this attitude towards time was not easy, and oftentimes left me feeling frustrated; however, this is just how things are run in India. There is nothing wrong with 'polychronic time,' it's just different.
Polychronic Time
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Monochronic Time
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