Why do some co-workers choose to extend a meeting longer than they need to?

Is it because they irritate people and have nothing better to do than make foolish inquiries?

It's a Friday afternoon, and you're in a meeting with your coworkers about a new project that you don't care about. Your plans include taking the train home, taking a shower, and going out for a few drinks with your pals.

Someone who has no concept of time has already slowed down the meeting since they have asked the meeting host a dozen questions, forcing them to pause every few minutes to explain something that was made abundantly apparent at the last meeting but which this person blatantly ignores. You glance at your watch and notice that the person who has been asking pointless questions is taking several notes.

Another dumb question is raised as the meeting host is speaking, and you start to feel a small amount of wrath beginning to develop within you. The time is running out, and you are aware that you will miss your train home if you don't leave work at exactly 5 o'clock.

In addition to wanting to be somewhere else after 5 o'clock than at work, you observe that the meeting's host is becoming irritated with this person. You're clenching your fists under the table, ready to strike. In order to get to the train station as soon as possible, you want to drag the questioner out of the meeting room by their heels and into the parking lot. As the person continues, you keep seeing this picture play out in your mind, and you're positive that this question was a repetition of one that came before it. You are now reaching boiling point.

The meeting is winding down when the inquiries abruptly halt. It is now five minutes past five, according to your watch. You understand there's still a chance you might make it to your train. You almost don't think it's possible, and then something terrible happens all as the host abruptly realises their error, just as they thought they had closed the session.

'Does anybody else have any other questions?'

There is no turning back now as the individual who belongs in the field of journalism welcomes the opportunity to pose yet another query. The host of the meeting suggests that you step in and offer some opinion or comments because you now know the person being questioned has just made the situation worse. You hold your tongue and reply gently, but even you are aware that your tone may not be particularly diplomatic.

When you finally react, the questioner is satisfied with your replies, but your train has already left the station. You turn to look at the other attendees in the meeting and hope that they will start a revolt or insurrection against this person who keeps delaying them, but they are all just sitting there expressionless.

The meeting host has had enough and decides to adjourn, but the questioner interferes, delays the process even more, and repeats the activities in an effort to ensure that those present who have been given tasks will remember to carry them out. The audacity of this individual is inconceivable. Just who the hell do they think they are, you're now thinking? But you also know that you and the rest of your colleagues are doomed. The weekend has just been ruined.

Conclusion

Try to avoid meeting with this individual in the future.

Declare a personal emergency and leave the meeting early.

From a disposable phone, text the inquirer to warn them to head home immediately because their house is on fire.

Make a joke like, "Is this the Spanish inquisition?" throughout the meeting. Why do you f**king' ask so many questions? Defend your last words.

Get the other attendees of the meeting to agree with you by suggesting to the meeting host that the individual asking the questions perhaps take on a few additional meeting-related tasks, especially if they all share your hatred for the person.

Before the meeting, get them coffee and put a laxative in it.

Grab their heels and drag them out into the carpark