I know in some cultures/religions this is clearly acceptable but what about just plain ole Americans who want to keep their carpet clean? Does it matter if we are talking family thats over, a party with close friends? not so close friends? A more formal business type party (e.g., entertaining potential clients)?
2006-10-06 14:28:16 · 38 answers · asked by Poppies_rule 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Sorry, but I have to disagree with the vast majority here. I think it's extremely rude. This practice says you care more about your lousy carpet than you do human beings. It's also a very low class thing to do. It's for people who have never been used to having anything - a dead giveaway. You should have mats down for people to wipe their feet and that should be enough. If you're so worried about your carpet then don't invite people over. You know, there are carpet cleaning co's. I would never insult people this way.
2006-10-07 05:30:54 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I think it's unusual in the circles I spend time with, and it can be unwieldy with a large group. The best reason I can think to do it is you have a crawling baby and you're keeping the floor clean for him/her. That really DOES happen to be a good reason. Then provide some disposable slippers, or maybe booties to go over the shoes, as a choice. But just to keep your carpets white? That's silly, unless the shoes are badly soiled.
2006-10-06 16:00:10 · answer #2 · answered by Singinganddancing 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If someone asked me to take off my shoes before entering their home, and my shoes were clean, I would smile very nice and say, "Oops! Look at the time! I must be going!", then I'd drive off and never return. Yes, it's bad manners. That's what throw rugs and runners are for. And slipcovers for the furniture. And Scotchguard. Even at the best parties, drinks get spilled and salsa dropped on the carpet. That's just a fact of life.
2006-10-06 14:49:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know how true this is, but I have a friend from Ontario Canada and she told me it's common practice to remove shoes when you visit Canadian homes?????????????? Personally I think it's very rude. If you are so afraid of dirty rugs then either install wood or tile floors or get a dark colored rug! I have beige carpet. Do what I did. Invest in a Hoover shampooer.No more dirty rugs and you won't offend the guests by being tacky enough to make them remove their shoes.
2006-10-06 17:19:11 · answer #4 · answered by pinkrosegreeneyes bluerose 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heck NO! However, carpets are outdated these days. If it is such a dilemma, do some renovations, put tiles or laminated wood on your social areas and leave the carpets in the private places you would not invite the guests anyway, such as the bedrooms. Tile give your foyer and living room look so nice, and so does laminate flooring. Its a bit cheaper than tiles. Easy to clean too.
2006-10-06 15:18:13 · answer #5 · answered by QuiteNewHere 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a safety hazard. Shoes are intended to protect the foot. Hard to stub your toe when wearing shoes. How would you feel if a person you invited into your home stubbed a toe while walking in your home without shoes - at your request?
Perhaps you should not invite people into your home since you are more concerned about preserving the cleanliness of your carpet than the safety of your guests.
2006-10-06 15:31:27 · answer #6 · answered by north79004487 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No I don't think it's rude. In fact, in my own home, there are plenty of shoes outside the doors to remind everyone that they need to leave their shoes there before they come inside. There is a bench at the door to sit down on and a place under the bench to put the shoes. I remind everyone to do it.
2006-10-06 14:38:14 · answer #7 · answered by Bluealt 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since it is your house, then you should run it as you please. A simple request usually is all that's needed and most people would be happy to. And no, it shouldn't matter what reason your asking to remove footwear for, because its simply how you run your house.
One suggestion, for guests who may feel a little uncomfortable, may do as the Japanesse do by having extra pairs of house slippers for guests. Or some sort of temporary footwear that only stays inside.
2006-10-06 20:39:43 · answer #8 · answered by Reuben Shlomo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not rude, if you want your floors clean then yes, you have the right to ask your guests to take off their shoes. They should already know this. If not, then make a note on your door saying 'please remove your footwear before entering this house.' or something. Something polite, but in your face in a way!
2006-10-06 14:36:46 · answer #9 · answered by Christina M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally expect everyone to remove their shoes upon entering my home. I dont like the dirt it tracks in. However, it is a pesonal choice. Some do, some do not.
2006-10-06 14:32:50 · answer #10 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋