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AIBU?

To ask all guests to take shoes off in my house?

774 replies

chardonm · 24/08/2018 00:21

Just that really. A few people seem really put off by that.

My dear sil has to be reminded several times before she takes them off.

I hate the thought of trailing the dirt inside the house.

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bingbongnoise · 24/08/2018 00:25

No feeling either way, but this is gonna be a cracking thread! Wink

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TheClitterati · 24/08/2018 00:26

You don't mind their fungal infections and smelly feet though?

Are your floors spotless and warm? I think unless you are providing slippers for your visitors, or your guests know to bring their own YABU.

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GoldenWombat · 24/08/2018 00:27

YANBU. We used to have a family friend who always refused so my mum used to lay out sheets for him to walk on - never understood how he didn't feel embarrassed enough to take his shoes off! Perhaps he had ultra stinky feet... Also, went to a party once where a guest's stillettos made marks in the carpet!

I come from a culture where wearing shoes inside the house is unheard of. I think guests should respect the host's preferences with regards to shoes.

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MustShowDH · 24/08/2018 00:27

This comes up a lot on MN.

Your house, your rules, but bear in mind it will make some people feel uncomfortable.
I hate having to take my shoes off at peoples houses as I'm often not wearing socks and my feet stink! I always feel like my feet are too skanky to put on people's carpets!
I have to take my shoes off at my inlaws and it means I have to choose an outfit I can wear socks with. (I know I should just keep a pair of slippers at their house.)

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chardonm · 24/08/2018 00:28

If people ask or seem hesitant, I provide either thick socks or slippers. I travel a lot for business and always nab those disposable slippers they give in hotel for that purpose.

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chardonm · 24/08/2018 00:30

Sorry I don't mean to drip, but I have hardwood floors. Heels are not good for those!

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FanciedAChangeToday · 24/08/2018 00:30

YANBU you pay for the flooring and clean it so you get to decide. Though some people' may feel embarrassed about their feet and want to keep their shoes on. I know I was before I had my bunions done

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Rebecca36 · 24/08/2018 00:30

I don't think it's unreasonable, it's quite usual for Asian people but their carpets are generally immaculate. Mine aren't so I wouldn't bother asking anyone to take shoes off in my house, I always wear slippers.
However nothing wrong with it if that's what you want.

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BackforGood · 24/08/2018 00:32

Oh. Time for this thread again? Ill get the popcorn.
Or, to save time, let you know you'll get a split, and there's no convincing people who think it is incredibly rude to demand your visitors take their shoes off, and who would like you to know that floors are designed to be walked upon and you really ought to get floor covering that is up to the job otherwise. Equally there is no convincing people who like a 'no shoes' house is the right way that there could be any possible reason why others might prefer to keep their shoes on.
So, all round a bit of a pointless question / campaign as no-one will have their ind changed Wink

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TheDowagerCuntess · 24/08/2018 00:35

Oh, here we go.

It's just a floor. Seriously. A floor. Is it that important to you?

I always offer to take my shoes off at people's houses, but the most welcoming types say 'don't bother, just come on in'.

I have 100+ year old wooden floors. They can take a high heel.

I'd rather my guests felt welcome.

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KC225 · 24/08/2018 00:36

Move to Sweden its mandatory. I hate it. Worst thing is the primary school children have to take their shoes off before they go into class. The toilet is in off the classroom and the kids have to walk into class toilet in socks - rank.

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TheDowagerCuntess · 24/08/2018 00:37

...and guest slippers are grim.

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Deadringer · 24/08/2018 00:39

It's just a floor, you are not going to be eating your dinner off it. I would never ask a guest to remove their shoes, I think it's rude.

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Fucksgiven · 24/08/2018 00:39

It's fine if you're a bit common. Not acceptable if you're not.

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KateMcD451 · 24/08/2018 00:39

Just going to watch this thread as there are a lot of MNers who seem to feel very strongly about having to take their shoes off. Gets out popcorn

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TheDowagerCuntess · 24/08/2018 00:40

There is something really tight and Presbyterian about prioritising a floor, over guest comfort and welcome...

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EdWinchester · 24/08/2018 00:41

This has been done to death on here.

I wouldn’t dream of asking guests to remove shoes as I am just not that uptight. What if you’re having a party and the women are dressed up
in high heels? I just can’t imagine making them pad around in ‘thick socks or slippers’ - it would render them very undignified. My group of friends went to a house party TWO Christmasses ago where we were asked to remove our shoes. Everyone gossiped about it for months! We all felt daft - all glammed up but shoeless.

We had a do for my parents’ anniversary 2 weeks ago and several of their friends came. The idea of making these 70+ year olds remove their shoes is just silly.

Life’s too short to care about a bit of dirt on shoes. I want my guests to feel comfortable and welcome.

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SneakyGremlins · 24/08/2018 00:43

I wear shoes all day every day inside so of course my guests are welcome to Grin

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EllenJanesthickerknickers · 24/08/2018 00:43

The kids take their shoes off, but not adults. That seems a bit, er, precious.

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SallyVating · 24/08/2018 00:53

Ima barefoot warrior. Shoes are probably cleaner than my contaminated trotters

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chardonm · 24/08/2018 00:57

Interesting. I may need to reconsider - for purely selfish reasons - someone mentioning foot fungus yuck.

I actually don't ask people to remove shoes when having a party. I clean the floor afterwards. This is for overnight guests or if we're having a bbq and people are in and out of the garden.

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ShanghaiDiva · 24/08/2018 01:01

I live in Asia so no shoes in house here. Any workmen who come to the house always bring shoe covers to wear in your house.

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BettyBooJustDoinTheDoo · 24/08/2018 01:01

Agree with fucksgiven Duchess Kate does not seem to have a problem with it in her stately home.....Wink

To ask all guests to take shoes off in my house?
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StarJumpAlertTakeCover · 24/08/2018 01:02

Good god get a life

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Time40 · 24/08/2018 01:08

If you did that to me, I'd avoid coming to your house in future.

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