Whenever I attend a dinner or any other sort of function, I have never complained about waiting no matter how hungry I am. If its my sons, I always have something on hand for them to munch on.
Its really basic common courtesy to wait for all the guests to arrive before eating. If you arrive late - no matter the reason (flat tire, traffic jam, whatever) and see that everyone is eating already, what message does that send? It says that the late arrival didnt matter enough or mean enough to the others to give them a bit of time to arrive.
If I had a guest who got angry enough to complain, I'd give them a paper plate in the kitchen if its that important to them. But its very rude - their stomach is more important than their visit. And they'd not be invited back. I dont run a restaurant here.
We have been late a time or two. Usually due to unforeseen traffic or getting lost. And they waited for us which was sincerely and warmly appreciated.
ahhhh....first time im hearing the "other'" pov. thanks for that....
Have you been to desi dawats/events? Our people are notorious for never on time. Is it fair for the other guests to be starving while 1 person is waiting? everyone else had the courtesy to be reasonably on time....
I wonder why guests never complain about this to the host, but i remember this happened a few months ago. it was just us friends, and i did feel annoyed, but i knew the girl had some personal things going on with her life, so why should I be a jerk?