When having company over, is it rude to ask them to take their shoes off? I've been the asker and askee before and in both instances, I was irritated. I hate when people track mud through my house and I hate when someone asks me to take off my shoes!
by 
ProudPugParent
ANSWERS: 4
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I wouldn't say it is rude, but I admit that it does bother me. When I enter a house, I look at their feet. If their shoes are off, I will offer to take my shoes off. Sometimes they tell me it is not necessary, and in those cases I keep them on. If their shoes are on when I enter, I keep mine on.
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I have known folks with a very fine wood floor who did not want gravel scars from the shoes in their floors. (AND you know how waffle soled sports shoes pick up everything.) They simply went around in their stocking feet and had a mat next to the door with several pairs of shoes already upon it. Point made. Subtle, but I was glad to comply since I change my socks every week regardless. A Small plastic sign: "please remove shoes" would have been helpful. Or perhaps an antigue bench with a large bowl of scented water and towels and some socklets would be useful. These were country gentlemen who were often in the sheds and barns. I understand their concern. I do not resent this, they are excellent hosts and this is a small concession in return for their hospitality.
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In Vietnam, it's rude to leave your shoes on. In a couple of other Asian countries I've lived in it's rude to take your shoes OFF. I don't think it's rude to remind me. Because of toe prostheses, I hope you aren't offended that I leave my socks on.
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If someone is your guest. . . . .you should NOT ask that of them. Some people don't feel comfortable with their shoes off; even self-conscious over how their feet look! If you DON'T like people wearing shoes in your home. . . . . .DON'T. . . . . .invite them over! Period! That simple!
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