| There are occasions when we tolerate social lies, to avoid giving unnecessary offense. However, in your example, it is not necessary to be that specific, just say you are sorry and got distracted, which is strictly the truth, if not the whole truth. Also, if it is your fault, a simple apology without explanation will do, assuming it is sincere and not perfunctory. Finally, 15 minutes late is generally within the range of acceptability, it hard to time things exactly, I was thinking of a half an hour or more. (It is still polite to say you are sorry, though it may be perfunctory, at 15 minutes). |
