Bare feet in the house

[sheepwitch]

Three people live together. I'll call them Ben, Grace and Norah. All like being barefoot when in the house.

Ben doesn't like the appearance of Grace's bare feet. Ben doesn't generally have any issue with bare feet but used to know someone many years ago that had similar feet and he didn't like those either. Ben says that Grace's feet have "creepy long toes" and that they make him feel uncomfortable and on edge - he likens it to when someone who doesn't like spiders spots one lurking in a corner. Ben acknowledges that it is irrational to have such a strong reaction to a persons feet but thinks that Grace should keep her feet covered at all times (socks/slippers) as an act of courtesy towards him.

Grace doesn't see anything wrong with her feet ("they're just normal size 6 feet!"). Grace resents being asked to keep her feet covered in her own home as if she is some kind of freak in the foot department.

Norah has bigger fish to fry and is not fussed about anybodies feet and just wants a quiet life. Norah can see both points of view and has therefore been lumbered with the role of referee.

So, wise mumsnetters, who is being unreasonable here?

[elelfrance]

good god the woman shouldn't have to cover up her feet at all times to appease someone with a vvvvvvery unreasonable notion about what feet should look like...
this coming from a house where we are all barefoot most of the time

[TheHouseOnTheLane]

Ben should piss off.

Or wear blinkers.

Perhaps Norah could buy him some for Christmas?

[19lottie82]

Ben is a dick. If he doesn't like seeing other people's feet then he should get his own place rather than sharing.

[19lottie82]

"all like being barefoot "

So Ben can go barefoot but doesn't want others to do the same?

[VimFuego101]

If the most only thing Ben can find to complain about regarding his housemate is her toes, I'd say he's onto a winner. Don't get me started on my housemate stories...

[CFSsucks]

So you are Norah?

I don't think Grace should cover her feet, that's ridiculous. Ben need to not spend his time looking at Grace's feet tbh.

But if he likens it to a spider, I guess that's tougher, I am terrified of spiders and cannot relax at all if I know there is one there so I guess I can understand his discomfort. I know someone who has a feet thing, she hates them but I've no idea on her views on bare feet being around as I don't know anyone who likes to go around bare footed.

So basically, I'm with Norah and of no help whatsoever. I'm sure you're glad I came OP .

[jeavcike]

Ben is bu. Why should his irrationality dictate how others dress in the comfort of their own home? If he's so upset by it and can't get over it, he should think about moving out!

[OfaFrenchmind2]

Ben should fuck off.

[BarbarianMum]

Perhaps Ben needs to find somewhere else to live? They aren't compatible as housemates, are they?

[icanteven]

Ben is crazy.

[ElderlyKoreanLady]

Ben, if he likens it to a phobia, needs some CBT. Or to move out.

[sheepwitch]

Thanks all. Moving out isn't an option - it's a family not housemate situation.

And yes, I'm Norah. :D

[Queenbean]

You're Norah

Ben is being a dick

[KitZacJak]

All agree to wear slippers? Glad I don't live there, can't stand bare feet!!!

[expatinscotland]

Tell Ben to go to fuck. His problem. He's a crazy fucker, too.

[TaupeShimmery]

Is this all year round? You must have a very warm house!

[JonSnowKnowsNowt]

Well, if Ben wants anyone else to cover their feet, he should start by covering his own.

I can see a rationale for a house rule of "no bare feet" (more in a flatter than a family situation) if it just seems a bit yucky generally - like no hanging around in your pants. But not for one person to be singled out.

[73dexter]

Ben is bu.

[Tokelau]

Ben is being ridiculous.

[dontcallmecis]

Grace should grow her toenails reeeeeeealy long.

[ChipsandGuac]

Grace should take a photo of her feet and have it printed on giant canvas and hang it in Ben's room. Just so Norah can report back to MN Ben's reaction.

[ExitPursuedByABear]

She could get him a cushion as well.

Ben is being a prat.

[KeyserSophie]

I really really hope Ben is your teenage son and not your DH/DP.

[blankblink]

Get Ben some de-sensitisation therapy, EFT, Hypnosis etc.

[WhereYouLeftIt]

Ben's problem and he doesn't get to make it Grace's. He needs to grow the fuck up find a way to 'cope'.