A woman split online after she asked people what they thought house guests should take off their shoes.
The anonymous poster took to UK parenting forum mumsnet to ask people’s opinions on the controversial issue.
The non-blocking poster got all sorts of backlash. Some said they thought it was rude not to automatically take off your shoes when going to someone else’s house.
Others said that asking people to take off their shoes is “not welcome” and that the floor comes before guest comfort.
Some argue that division is based on class lines, with working-class and lower-middle-class people likely to support taking off shoes.
An anonymous woman received mixed reviews after it was revealed that she asked guests of the house to take off their shoes and ask what others were doing (stock image)
The post on Mumsnet asked people to comment on whether guests returning home should remove their outdoor shoes.
The banner on Mumsnet read: ‘[Am I being unreasonable to ask visitors to] Take off your shoes. I have very pale cream carpets and no one wears shoes in the house.
“Recently, my niece called and it was raining a lot, she had shoes with cork soles that were very water-repellent and were crushing my carpets.
“I asked him to remove them as they leave wet and wet footprints. Some people don’t have to ask, but I’m uncomfortable asking.’
For a series of posters, it is “automatic” to take off your shoes when entering your (or someone else’s) home, with many citing dirt as the cause.
Many endorsed the poster, saying they also have a rejection policy.
One wrote: ‘I live in England and I don’t know anyone who has shoes in politics. The thought of all that trash out there being thrown out of the houses (and we have hard floors) makes me a little sick. Especially here in London – lots of dog and fox poop!!
Another added: ‘I just say shoes out with my family!!! And they do, but I look at my feet with my mother-in-law and then say that if they don’t understand, please take off your shoes!
My wife’s grandparents refuse to take off their shoes in someone’s house and even tell me ‘that’s how you gave them hardwood floors because they’re easy to clean’ as if it made a difference? We had a cynical fight on his last visit and he hasn’t returned for months.’
And the third said: ‘I didn’t know that people still wear shoes indoors, especially in other people’s homes. When I come home or go to someone’s house, the first thing I do is take off my shoes, it’s automatic.’
Some people felt that asking people to take off their shoes was “the ultimate in bad behavior,” while others stated they didn’t want others to walk around the house barefoot.
However, many disagreed and were equally strong on their point of view.
Someone wrote: I hate the ‘no shoes off’ rule, it’s not welcome. If you’re worried, don’t buy light-colored rugs! Despite all these shoes, rugs like this get dirty with nonsense! They are dirt magnets.
“If you have to enforce such a silly rule, let your visitor know in advance so they can bring slippers. I hate taking off my shoes and walking around in socks, it sounds ridiculous. Or get biodegradable shoe covers.
Another said they didn’t like the rule of taking off their shoes, “I’m very proud of my house too, it has cream carpets downstairs. I only ask people to remove their shoes if they are clearly dirty/muddy. We had neighbors who took off their shoes as we passed by, but I insisted that they not wear them! I don’t want to look at your feet or your holey socks, thanks.”
And another commenter added: ‘I’m wearing the team shoes. I find it incredibly hospitable and never ask guests to take off their shoes. It seems silly to me to buy useless carpets. We have light carpets on the stairs and on the landing, we do not ask anyone to take off their shoes, even if we do it ourselves for convenience. I’ve never had a problem.
Meanwhile, others believed that people’s loyalty to the don-and-go mentality was all about class, with the lower classes generally in favor of more shoe-making.
Some commentators have suggested that the gap could be due to class, with the removal of shoes reserved for the working and lower middle classes.
One wrote: “My conclusion, after reading hundreds of these threads, is that taking off your shoes is primarily a lower middle class affair.”
Another said, “As discussed, it’s definitely a matter of class. Hence the understanding of surrounding etiquette.
And the third explained, “I think a lot of people don’t understand this point: middle and upper class people can walk around their homes without shoes. But asking people to take off their shoes is very rude.
“But it’s also polite to ask someone if they prefer to put on or take off their shoes when they get home. So if everyone was kind and polite, it would never be a problem.
‘The argument for putting your plans above the comfort of your guests.’
Source: Daily Mail
