my BIL came over today with his new partner to meet me and DH (his brother). They came over for a few hours for a late lunch/tea.
Anyway i open the door for them (BIL already holding his coat :) ). anyway all the hellos, hugs, come in etc.
BIL automatically takes his shoes off and puts some of the slippers we have out for guests.
She looks very shocked by this and doesn't make a move to either take off her shoes or even ask if i would like her to take her shoes off (i am barefoot)
Anyway when I realise that she isn't taking her shoes off and asks her nicely and politely if she would mind taking her shoes off and if she would like we have slippers for guests (we have a pile like the ones BIL put on and they are very obvious)
BIL looks a bit awkward at his point and then she says' 'no, thank you' and walks though.
I was just stunned and so was BIL obviously.
But it would have been rude to say anything so i just let her carry on. And told DH when he came in about 15mins later not to say anything.
I'm japanese - and to me leaving your shoes on when entering someones house is a no no. I have managed over the years to be okay if someone just walks in to pick something up or drop something off. but if someone is coming in properly. They take their shoes off.
Even forgetting the culture I and this comes from - sure it is rude to reply like that when you are a guest into someones home?
or AIBU in asking people to remove their shoes upon entering??
I'm doubting both now...