Going to other people's homes.?

Question

When you go to someone's house do you take off your shoes? How many of people have you visited have the shoes off rule?

Answer 1

The polite thing to do is to take them off.

But, you should always defer to the host and their preference. (watch what they do or take a peek at their feet) Likely - they will let you know. If they say nothing, then you know - shoes off.

Answer 2

I always take my shoes off when I go to other people's houses. I think it is polite. I never walk into anyone's home without first at least offering to take my shoes off. If they answer the door in socks or there are a bunch of shoes at the door I just slip mine off without being asked. A lot of people I know have a rule in their home about wearing shoes. Most of them have a bunch of shoes at the door so it is very obivious. When I visit people that I have visited before I take my shoes off sometimes before they have even opened the door. I figure because I have a no shoes house then I should be in socks in their homes.

Answer 3

I simply use my judgement based on the host/situation. If the host greets me at the door without shoes, or if it is obvious that shoes are generally left by the door, I take off my shoes. Also, if I'm visiting close friends or family, I take my shoes off because I'm more comfortable that way. But if it's a more formal evening, or an event, I think hosts/hostesses expect that shoes will stay on.

Answer 4

I don't know anyone where I have to take my shoes off. I only take off my shoes if I'm really comfortable with people. Otherwise I just make a point of cleaning my shoes on the doormat really well. If people were to ask me to take my shoes off, I would though.

Answer 5

Defer to the host - is there a pile of shoes by the door? Did he ask you to take off your shoes? Then slip them off.
But I think it's kinda gross to just take off your shoes whenever you go into a house - unless you just stepped in doggie poo, mud, wet grass, etc. My husband and I don't have any type of shoe rule, but I really don't want other people's sweaty old feet touching the same floors I might be walking on barefoot - just grosses me out a bit. I have two dogs and a cat anyways - dirt/dust is kinda part of our daily life, as is the vacuum and mop.

Answer 6

I was raised to always take of my shoes when I go into another persons home, I find where I live now that no one takes off their shoes. I think it's rude to track dirt from the outside into someone else's home. I don't do it in mine.

Answer 7

It might not interest you, but I've never seen people take off their shoes in France (I'm French). I guess I would do it if it were carpeted. But otherwise, except if I've been walking in mud or it's been raining a lot and they don't have a "carpet" at the door, I keep them on. However, it's true that when I lived in Alerica, I used to take them off because that's what my bf used to do.

Answer 8

I only know two people who have a shoes off rule. I never take my shoes off when entering someone's home unless they specifically ask. I personally think it's a little rude to ask your house guests to take off their shoes unless it's rainy or muddy or the guest obviously has dirty shoes.

Answer 9

I take my shoes off in my own house. I like for visitors to take their shoes off at my house. If it's carpeting at someone else's house I take my shoes off. If it's tile I keep them on.

Answer 10

I think it depends on the People. Some people have different styles. Key clue is if they themselves remove their shoes. Also look if they have new carpet, white carpet. I have only removed my shoes when going into very expensive houses or newly built homes.