Writing on UK parenting forum Mumsnet, the woman explained that some visitors have no problem with her house rule, but others “roll their eyes and look embarrassed”. The responses were somewhat split, with many people saying it’s “rude” to ask a guest to take off their shoes, while others said it’s “disgusting” to wear shoes inside. A woman has sparked debate on Mumsnet after she said she gets ‘mixed reactions’ when she asks visitors to take off their shoes at her home (stock image) Explaining her point of view, the mother wrote: “I don’t think I’m being overly unreasonable in asking visitors to my house to take off their shoes at the front door. “I’m house proud, but I’m not a clean freak by any means – just my personal preference for cleanliness and hygiene as I walk around indoors with bare feet. “Some visitors, especially friends, are fine with it. But some family members or other visitors roll their eyes and look uncomfortable. “I take my shoes off in other people’s houses when I visit them as I like to practice what I preach. Do you apply the same rule at home?’ The woman explained that some visitors are fine with her home, but some “roll their eyes and look embarrassed.” Many argued that she is entitled to set boundaries in her own home. One person said: “Your house, your rules. Anyone who doesn’t like it should stay away.’ Another wrote: “I wear slippers in my house but I don’t ask others to take their shoes off. But it’s your home, so do what suits you.’ While a third said: “Your house, your rules. The only time it bothers me is when he’s dressed and when my shoes are off they ruin my outfit!” However, some disagreed saying they don’t like being asked to take off their shoes. Many claimed that if it’s the woman’s house then guests should play by her rules with one person saying “anyone who doesn’t like it should stay away”. One person said: “No. I hate being asked to balance awkwardly on someone’s hallway to take my shoes off, then leave them there for everyone to see, and then sit in my socks on screen. All very tacky and annoying and I usually don’t visit again. Another said: “It’s not customary where I live either and it would be seen as the height of rudeness if you insisted. You would be the talk of the parish.’ While another said: “No, and I hate being asked to sit in my socks at someone else’s house. “Luckily she only asked me once (my mother-in-law’s neighbor) and I’ve never been to her house before.” Others admitted that they would prefer visitors to walk around their house in shoes rather than bare feet. Others admitted that they would prefer visitors to walk around their house in shoes rather than bare feet One woman said: “Shoes don’t bother me downstairs because we have all hard floors which are easy to clean. “While I totally respect other people’s rules, I think it’s bad hospitality and bad manners to insist on this from guests. “I know some people with diabetes who are advised to wear shoes or slippers, and taking care of people’s feet is more important than my floor.” Another wrote: “It’s up to you but I don’t think it’s more or less hygienic and I personally prefer shoes over potentially smelly socks or bare feet.” While another said: “Only on Mumsnet do I see this. None of our friends would dream of asking. I don’t want your scabby feet on my floors, thanks, keep your shoes on.’ Some people admitted they were “shocked” by the number of people not taking their shoes off indoors for hygiene reasons Some people admitted they were “shocked” by the number of people who don’t take off their shoes indoors for hygiene reasons. One person said: “It boggles my mind that most people on Mumsnet don’t take their shoes off! I find it fascinating. “It does bother me slightly that some family members don’t take their shoes off in my house as we have small children crawling around, but I’m not that attached. “However I would NEVER dream of walking into someone else’s house in my shoes! It feels so rude and disrespectful. “The vast majority of people I know feel the same way. Also for what it’s worth – the family members who don’t remove them for me are older and would insist on the shoes being removed in their own home.” Another agreed, saying: “We’re a shoeless house, it just seems weird to want to walk through your house in shoes you’ve been walking around in outside. “All the people we know automatically take off their shoes when they visit, even if I visit my old friend when she lives with her 75-year-old parents, I automatically take off the shoes as it has always been a shoeless home. It’s just automatic.” While another said: “Every person I know takes their shoes off when they come to my house. I never had to ask! I do the same when I go to other people’s houses. I’m very surprised that many people have a problem with this.
While some others pointed out that it is the norm in rural areas to remove shoes as they may be muddy While some others pointed out that it is the norm in rural areas to take off shoes as they may be muddy. One person explained: “Shoe wearers – do you all live in cities/suburbs? I think the thing about people living in the countryside is a good one. “We live in the countryside and everyone automatically takes them off – most have a boot room or a back porch where the shoes go. Similar to country people using the back/side door more often than the front!’ While another claimed it should be the same rule after walking on a city sidewalk, saying: “I would expect people to either automatically take their shoes off or ask if I would like them to. “To me it’s strange that someone would think it’s okay to walk on someone’s carpets in shoes that I’ve walked on city sidewalks, for example, and carry anything from dog poop, spit, vomit, and chewing gum inside (because I can assure you that it’s what you’ll find on most London pavements…). Just basic hygiene and common sense.’