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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to think the question, "would you like me to take my shoes off?" is rude?

265 replies

Underhiseye2 · 27/06/2019 19:14

Just that really. An estate agent came to value my house today. The first thing he did was introduce himself and we shook hands. The second thing, he stepped inside and looked around and asked "shall I take my shoes off?".

I would never dream of not taking my shoes off on entering someone's house, except maybe my MILs because she is a filthy mare, it's automatic.

Is this question code for, "I think your house is dirty"? Straight up, I am not the house proud lady that my own mother was, but man, this place is clean and tidy. We are part hard-wood floor and part carpet (which could be seen from where estate agent was standing).

OP posts:
needsomesleepy · 27/06/2019 19:22

Is this question code for, "I think your house is dirty"?

WTF? How could it be. If the house was dirty surely he would want to keep his shoes ON?

It is actually code for 'my shoes may have dirt that I have picked up outside during the course of my day'

I am baffled at why you think this means he thinks your house is dirty. He obviously visits lots of houses and some people will have a no show inside rule because they want to keep their carpets clean.

Popuppippa · 27/06/2019 19:23

YABU as he was just being polite.

I have gleaming floors, am not 'a dirty mare' (your poor MIL) and never insist on people taking their shoes off. The Virgin Media guy looked startled when I told him not to bother with the faff. The floors are cleaned very regularly so it just doesn't matter.

insancerre · 27/06/2019 19:23

Gosh some people are weird
And I don’t mean the estate agent

SoyDora · 27/06/2019 19:23

It was a perfectly reasonable (and polite) question.

redexpat · 27/06/2019 19:23

You are bonkers.

Kokapetl · 27/06/2019 19:23

YABU, seems very polite to me. We take shoes off in our house but I am aware some people aren't bothered. It would be rude to walk in without asking!

RedDogsBeg · 27/06/2019 19:24

Don't be so bloody ridiculous, Underhiseye2, the question was in no way rude nor a judgement on your house. The things people will twist and take offence at on MN never cease to amaze me.

Tingface · 27/06/2019 19:25

Oh for these problems.

WorraLiberty · 27/06/2019 19:26

Blimey of course it's not rude

You sound as though you have a chip on your shoulder regarding your house.

HoppyHop · 27/06/2019 19:26

YABU, he was being polite. Oh dear! If you are thinking this is rude I don't hold out much hope of you not being offended many times in the process of selling your home (assuming it wasn't just for valuation purposes obviously).

Letthemysterybe · 27/06/2019 19:27

Bloody hell you sound like hard work.

expatinspain · 27/06/2019 19:29

I call bullshit on this thread.

Ohyesiam · 27/06/2019 19:29

Yabu
It’s only code for do you want me to take my shoes off.

fhefelineofthespecies · 27/06/2019 19:30

Okay so according to threads I've seen recently:

  1. It's rude to not remove your shoes
  2. It's rude to remove your shoes without being asked
  3. It's rude to ask someone to remove their shoes
  4. It's rude to ask someone if they'd like you to remove their shoes
Confused
22Giraffes · 27/06/2019 19:30

He was being the complete opposite of rude Confused

Sunshine1235 · 27/06/2019 19:31

He was trying to be polite. It’s literally his job to go into people houses all day he’s probably pretty used to asking the question

chardonm · 27/06/2019 19:31

Yabu

RedDogsBeg · 27/06/2019 19:32

Indeed Hoppy another mega thread about toilet usage by people who view the house beckons.

minniemoll · 27/06/2019 19:34

I never take my shoes off in the house, and don't expect my guests to either (unless said shoes are caked in mud, obviously) so I'd just say no, you're fine. And certainly wouldn't think it was a rude question.

soundsystem · 27/06/2019 19:34

Eh? This is a perfectly normal question.

PanamaPattie · 27/06/2019 19:34

Please do not clog my toilet with your filthy shoe.

S1naidSucks · 27/06/2019 19:35

I would never dream of not taking my shoes off on entering someone's house, except maybe my MILs because she is a filthy mare, it's automatic.

Is this thread a piss take? Why would you take your shoes off if you’re going into a filthy house? Yuck! I can just imagine how dirty your socks would be, after you leave, then you put them back into your shoes. I think you’re a tad confused. You take your shoes off in a CLEAN house. It was practically a compliment from the estate agent.

AllStar14 · 27/06/2019 19:36

Jesus christ, seriously? How on earth is that a rude question? It's the total bloody opposite of rude. Do you often over-think things?

bluebluezoo · 27/06/2019 19:37

Some people think shoes are filthy dirty and covered in dog shit/cat wee/vomit that will be trodden all through your house.

Others think feet are filthy dirty and will tread bacteria ridden sweat and feet smell all through the house.

If it’s not obvious, best bet is to ask. Get it wrong and you will be incredibly rude.

BillywilliamV · 27/06/2019 19:37

Seriously, is this a genuine question?