In this example, the truth would probably be that you were hurt by your partner being
late because of your own fear about feeling as though you are not as important as his/her other commitments. Had you told your partner the truth at the time, he/she would have been much more likely to offer the reassurance that you were looking for. At that point, the two of you could have more easily discussed, instead of arguing, the differences of opinion you both have on the subject of being on time.