I absolutely think it is ridiculous for someone to ask me to remove my shoes before I enter their home. This says to me " I really don't care about your comfort, your outfit, your height, your foot odor problem, I only care about my precious floors and carpets". I would NEVER ask someone to take their shoes off, except in a certain circumstance where there was excessive mud or snow which would be dragged in, even then I would probably just have some kind of mat to clean them on. I went to someones house with High heels, and without them, my pants were way too long and I looked ridiculous. I just hate this practice. HOW BOUT YOU?
2006-09-19 09:04:08 · 25 answers · asked by Coco 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I personally do not like it either, but I have family members who do it. It makes me feel as if the care and concern is about their floors. I understand that some cultures practice this always, but I just prefer to have an option.
2006-09-19 09:06:38 · answer #1 · answered by MTGurl 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think it's ridiculous that you're trying to tell people how they run things in their own home! It's their place and they have every right to request that you respect their customs. If you really don't like, then don't go over to their house!
Some people have a no-shoe policy in their homes because they want to preserve the carpets/floors they just spent a bundle on; because their guests track in way more dirt than you'd expect and they hate cleaning constantly; or because it's a cultural imperative (like in many Asian households). Some people see it as inviting their guests to be relaxed and feel at home.
Stop being so self-centered and show a little respect for your hostess - a lack of courtesy is far more embarassing than a lack of high heels!
2006-09-19 16:22:50 · answer #2 · answered by teresathegreat 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I believe its called RESPECT which it sounds like you don't have any of. Have you thought they might CARE for their home and belongings? High heeled shoes can pluck carpets or dent wooden floors. Wear and tare is also more likely to happen alot quicker with foot wear on. Sod what you are wearing think about the other persons house. Re-carpeting/tiling/floor boarding a house doesn't come cheap. Before you go somewhere think about respecting the person who has kindly asked you to visit and wear appropriate clothing. There is a label in clothing with something called SIZE written on it, try looking at it and choosing the size to fit you then you won't have to worry about how stupid you look and it may even help you have that thing called RESPECT that is so badly missing in your little shallow life.
2006-09-19 16:49:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I don't mind doing it. Doesn't bother me at all. I would prefer that others remove their shoes before entering my house if they were going to stay for a while. I generally don't ask strangers to or large parties but my close friends know and take their shoes off. I do it out of respect for my friends, just in case I do have something on my shoes they don't have to spend time cleaning up the mess. My fiance' is a mechanic and he always removes his boots before coming in the house because he usually has grease, brake dust and stuff on them.
2006-09-19 16:13:29 · answer #4 · answered by PaganPoetess 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My sister-in-law is like this. I think it's *ok* if the hostess has a young child who crawls) but as a rule, it's sort of dumb. They're at home on a regular basis, so I can see not wearing shoes (I don't wear shoes in my house) but if you're going to be there a short time, why bother? If you're that worried about dirt, give the place a good vacuuming after the guests leave, you know?
2006-09-19 16:36:16 · answer #5 · answered by brevejunkie 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I am an American. I grew up with the practice. I like it.
But mainly I want to respect the people hosting me.
The strangest time I was encouraged to take off shoes was in India .. they had just gotten a carpet at work, and they were strongly hinting that we take off our shoes .. there must have been 20 pair outside.
My boss refused, but the workers there were SO pleased that I took my shoes off too.
I asked .. are you sure you guys WANT this carpet? it's so much more bother .... and their emphatic answer was OH YES; its so nice.
2006-09-19 19:26:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My husband's mother is Japanese. He grew up with the practice that when one enters a home, one takes off one's shoes. We still do that now. It really has nothing to do with keeping the carpets clean. It is a sign of respect and humility that when you enter a home you take off your shoes. It means you are like your hosts- humble and kind.
Sorry about your clothes. I am sorry your feelings were hurt and you felt totally unfashionable. Too bad. You are missing out on a nice evening or time with your hosts. You missed the whole point.
2006-09-19 16:29:19 · answer #7 · answered by Malika 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Removing shoes is the norm in Canada. Perhaps it's because since you need to remove your boots in winter, you might as well remove them in general.
Wiping your shoes on a mat only cleans them to a limited extent.
If you have pants that require high heels to look presentable, they might be a tad long for you.
2006-09-19 16:10:29 · answer #8 · answered by Empress_of_Light 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I do not enjoy taking my shoes off either, but since I live in a house with light colored carpeting, I totally understand where this is coming from. It's just basic courtesy, but if you feel very strongly about it, maybe you should stop visiting the people who are forcing this on you.
2006-09-19 16:10:17 · answer #9 · answered by Jerry K 1 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I wish I could agree, but I lived in Japan for two years.
You have no idea how much less cleaning you have to do if people remove their shoes before entering your house.
The hostess if really at fault if she does not have a standby pair of slippers for you to put on.
2006-09-19 16:07:09 · answer #10 · answered by JaMoke 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋