Time is the only commodity that you can’t buy, that’s why it’s so egregious to waste someone’s time.
An explanation goes a long way to showing them you didn’t intentionally arrive late.
Talking Points
I’m sorry I missed the first part of the party! It sounds like I really missed out on some fun. Traffic was terrible - I knew I should have left earlier. Can you forgive me?
I’m so sorry for arriving late to our appointment. I know how busy you are and how difficult it is to find space in your calendar. Please know that I truly respect your time and that my tardiness is not a reflection of how I feel about you or the value you bring.