Consistently running late can have a serious impact on a friendship, a life coach has warned.

The topic of tardiness is in the headlines this week, after a clip of Ricky Gervais and Roy Keane discussing their hatred of lateness went viral.

On the latest episode of Stick to Football, Mr Gervais said he "can't stand lateness", a sentiment Mr Keane echoed.

"When people are late constantly, their time is more important than yours," the football pundit said.

Lateness is a pet peeve for many, and consistently running late can take a toll on our relationships.

On Lunchtime Live, author and life coach Mark Fennell said being late can impact friendships.

"Whether people admit it or not [being late for your friends] comes down to values," he said.

"When it’s a job, we won’t be late for a job because we value the income and paying bills, but when it comes to other things that are more casual, there is a more casual approach."

Mr Fennell said it is important to confront a friend who consistently keeps you waiting.

"If you don't confront it, it’s just going to stew away in the background and it’s going to lead to contempt in time," he said.

Confrontation

One way to deal with the issue is to give the late friend more accountability.

"Ask them: 'What's a realistic time we need to plan for when we meet next?'" Mr Fennell says.

"Put the ball in their court, let them pick the time.

"If they're late again, you can absolutely confront them black and white."

For people who are consistently late, Mr Fennell says they need to understand others might see it as a sign of disrespect.

"A person who has been there waiting, they do take it as a slight," he said.

"People who are late fail to see that."

You can listen back here:

Feature image shows a man looking at his watch, Alamy.