Do you have the rule in your home? Do you have friends that have the rule? Do you see more and more homes adopting this policy? What do you think of the rule?
2006-10-28 15:14:31 · 22 answers · asked by J J 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
In Asian culture, removing shoes before entering a home is a must-do. Actually, if you wear shoes into a person's home, you are considered VERY rude. Usually it is the responsibility for the host to supply slippers for guests. In Buddhist temples in Thailand, ALL visitors are required to remove their shoes as a show of respect. If you wear shoes into a temple, it's like a big blasphemy, to the same level of, say, someone spitting in a church.
Yes, my family has maintained and insisted the rule of removing shoes before entering the house, mainly to keep the dirt and the bugs out. When we first migrated here, we were surprised to find out that Westerners wear shoes into the home, and evey walk barefeet outdoors! But it was just a culture shock. Today, we even have specially assigned slippers for various zones of the house-- we don't want to drag the oil from the kitchen floor into our bedroom carpet.
Imagine, you take a walk a the park, and the night before someone had peed on the same piece of concrete you stood on, which by the time you arrive has dried and you don't know about it. Then you walk on the grass with dirt particles and tiny bugs
clinging to the soles of your shoes. Then you walk all the way home, dragging all that dirt and bacteria with you into the home. THEN when a friend arrives you play cards on the carpet together...dont' you just think it's not very hygienic?
2006-10-28 21:04:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I know a few people who have just finished building their new homes and they're almost fanatical about it. I know one couple who have installed a shoe rack at the front door so visitors can take their shoes off without making the front door area looking messy.
If my shoes are dirty I usually take the off regardless, but I don't think it's necessary to do it all the time.
2006-10-29 00:24:18 · answer #2 · answered by arcanehex 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have never known anyone that does this. I do think its probably a good thing, but what a hassle. Get a rug at the door, to wipe your feet off. This is what carpet steamers are for. Clean the floor when its dirty. And I really dont think youre gonna let someone walk thru your house with muddy shoes, You got to use some common sense.
If a person is that picky about their house, then they are a stressed person. I have a brother in law like this, they dont have the shoes off rule, but he IS very picky about his home. Hes a very stressed out guy. People need to relax and enjoy what they have. We only live once.
2006-10-28 15:38:21 · answer #3 · answered by ~~ 7 · 2⤊ 3⤋
In japan, many public places require you to remove your shoes and don a pair of clean house slippers or thongs, then when you go to the toilet you have to change into toilet slippers. Other areas in the house (sleeping eating) require you have to remove your slippers. I think its a great idea, and have adopted into my Australian culture, it is harder for some family and friends accept.
It is interesting to note that Japan in becoming more western is doing away with the shoe removing tradition whereas western cultures are starting to adopt it ?
2006-10-28 17:24:00 · answer #4 · answered by treb67 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think this rule is becoming increasingly popular. I have the shoes off rule in my house. All of my guests know to take off their shoes before stepping inside the door. I have a lot of friends who make you take off your shoes in their homes. Most of the time when I visit someone I take off my shoes anyway becuase I expect the same in my house.
I have seen a couple of people adopt this rule fairly recently. They have visited me a couple of times and realized how nice and clean my home is, and how easy it is to have the rule. One person who just moved to the area said she didn't even realize that everyone she had her shoes off when she was visiting. Now whenever you go to her house she opens the door in her white socks and says "shoes off, house rule" I think the rule is great and wish more people would requie people to remove their shoes in the house.
2006-10-28 15:41:44 · answer #5 · answered by Julia 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Only popular if you are use to it and if your friends don't have smelly feet. It does save a lot when it comes to cleaning carpets and floors. Shoes drag in all kinds of dirt. On the other side, if you are the one visiting and have to take your shoes off, it's a pain in the patoosh.
2006-10-28 15:20:48 · answer #6 · answered by Seikilos 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't have that rule because I live in a studio apartment and the hallway is the living room is the bedroom. But when I've lived in houses and larger apartments I've taken off my shoes and requested the same from my guests; it is one of the best ways to reduce toxins within your home.
2006-10-28 17:19:54 · answer #7 · answered by Jetgirly 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
When I had carpet, I did not want people to walk barefoot, now I live in Asia and have tile floors, and enjoy removing my "shoes" (sandals) at the door.
I maintain that under normal circumstances, the soles of your shoes are probably cleaner (after having been wiped on an abrasive mat) than bare oil producing feet.
The lady who said it was obsessive is also right!! More important things to worry about, unless you are wet and muddy.
2006-10-28 16:09:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is at my moms house she has white carpeting.
I think that many home here have that policy. That also helps keep the home clean. With the winter weather around here there is no way you could track snow or wet shoes into the house.
2006-10-28 15:29:39 · answer #9 · answered by Wicked 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The Asian Culture requires you to remove youre shoes. My mother adopted this policy last year now there is less dirt to pick up on the floor and the floor won't get scratched since Hardwood was just put down.
2006-10-28 18:09:52 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋