Is it rude?

[bee*]

I don't know anyone over here (Ireland) that would take off their shoes when going to someone's house. It's just not the done thing. I wouldn't be opposed to it but I would prefer advance notice so that I can bring socks/slippers as I hate walking around barefoot. To me shoes are normally part of the whole outfit so I do like to leave them on. I'm not a germaphobe at all so in terms of the bugs that you can find, I'm usually more worried about people that don't wash their hands and then are touching cutlery, glasses etc which can happen inside my house.

 

[galeteia]

It's a cultural thing for sure. I've really struggled with it since coming down here, because I was raised to see it as the HEIGHT rudeness to track foulness into someone's house.

Even now the thought of someone tracking some heinous infection they picked up off a grody public restroom floor gives me the HEEBIE SHEEBIES and I feel the urge to bleach my carpets to death. Urrrrgh.

In fact, my life would be very different right now if I had not had a more-travelled friend standing by when meeting R, because the first thing he did when he came into my apartment was to put his shoes (SHOES! IN MY APARTMENT! ON MY FLOOR! HAVING BEEN IN GOD KNOWS WHAT BATHROOMS EN ROUTE HERE! AAAH SHOES INSIDE!) up on a low coffee table at the foot of our couch-just like my sock-footed roomie was doing.

Said friend saw the look on my face and pulled me aside before I could throw his disgusting, ill-mannered, unhygienic, raised-in-a-barn, filthy, philistine self the H*LL out of my apartment. She explained that most Americans do not remove their shoes indoors, etc etc, and that he was probably a very nice boy and not to hold it against him. Gggghhh, I shudder to remember it now- at least he didn't take offense when I attacked that spot with Lysol wipes later.

I don't let people wear shoes, smoke, or snort coke in my house. You aren't required to in YOUR house either. If anyone gets pissy, toss them that link someone posted about all the grodiness found on people's shoes. I walk barefoot in my house- if you wouldn't walk barefoot in the places you wear your shoes, don't be bringin' that crap into my house.

 

[ksinger]

I think everyone should just seal themselves in big plastic bubbles. That should solve the problem.

Here's the solution we've all been waiting for!

Oh a big 'ol fat amen to THAT. FOUR pages of this??? Seriously? And equating wearing shoes in the house to snorting coke?? No big judgemental crap going on there, nosirree.

You know, when every person is merely a disgusting potential source of infection or dirt to you, it's time to admit to being a paranoid misanthrope, and just stay home. ALONE. Really. It has the potential to just make everyone much happier. You stay hermetically sealed, and potential "friends" don't get to feel like a walking disease. Everyone wins.

Now, I and my dog - an animal that can and does lick its own butt and eats cat feces - are going to play with a slobbery old tennis ball.

 

[Imdanny]

I think it might partly be a cultural thing. I know it was discussed a while ago.

Yep. In Hawaii it would be considered rude not take your shoes off before entering someone's house. That's the influence of the different cultures who settled here. I'm not from here and even if I wasn't living here I wouldn't hesitate to ask guest to remove their shoes in my home. It's however you (it's your home) want to look at it.

I hesitate to add if I know someone well enough that they're in my house I assume I also know and respect their need to wear shoes if that's the case so if you need your shoes I'm not going to be some kind of monster about the whole thing. I posted without reading all of the posts in this thread first. My goodness does everything have to be a fight here?

 

[Aoife]

I think it might partly be a cultural thing. I know it was discussed a while ago.

I hesitate to add if I know someone well enough that they're in my house I assume I also know and respect their need to wear shoes if that's the case so if you need your shoes I'm not going to be some kind of monster about the whole thing. I posted without reading all of the posts in this thread first. My goodness does everything have to be a fight here?

This.

I'll just add that the concern about germs is overblown. The dirtiest spot in most people's houses is the kitchen sink. More germs are passed on the handles of shopping carts than in the restrooms of grocery stores (assuming hands are washed before you exit.) And since none of my family or friends over the age of 3 lick the floor or suck on doormats, the potential for picking up a dread disease from the floor is pretty remote--again as long as everybody washes his/her hands. And equating wearing shoes in the house with snorting coke?

 

[galeteia]

I think everyone should just seal themselves in big plastic bubbles. That should solve the problem.

Here's the solution we've all been waiting for!

Oh a big 'ol fat amen to THAT. FOUR pages of this??? Seriously? And equating wearing shoes in the house to snorting coke?? No big judgemental crap going on there, nosirree.

You know, when every person is merely a disgusting potential source of infection or dirt to you, it's time to admit to being a paranoid misanthrope, and just stay home. ALONE. Really. It has the potential to just make everyone much happier. You stay hermetically sealed, and potential "friends" don't get to feel like a walking disease. Everyone wins.

Now, I and my dog - an animal that can and does lick its own butt and eats cat feces - are going to play with a slobbery old tennis ball.

Apparently this thread has not been as entertaining to you as it has been to me. The disclaimer about it being a cultural thing wasn't enough either, it would seem.

Cultural taboos are often irrational, and everyone has them in some form or another. Where I live now, women would rather get fired for violating our Corporate Security policy of 'no purses on desks' than place them under a desk. It's not about the price of the purse, because even cheap purses have the same taboo; to them, placing a purse on the floor means that giant mutant aids-carrying murderous BUGS OF DOOM are going to suddenly swarm it with the malicious intent to eat everyone at every location to which they carry their now-infested purse.

I always wash my hands thoroughly after using the washroom, but you should have seen the fit my Moroccan ex threw when I accidentally touched food with my left hand at a restaurant we were at. You'd think I'd just shat in my hand and then chucked it into the food.

Like I said, cultural taboos are irrational, and you're never going to shame or fuss people into not feeling them.

Edit: I think I'd rather have them snort coke than smoke in my house, actually. At least the proximity of the coke wouldn't cause me to have an allergic reaction and stop breathing.

 

[iugurl]

You know, when every person is merely a disgusting potential source of infection or dirt to you, it's time to admit to being a paranoid misanthrope, and just stay home. ALONE. Really. It has the potential to just make everyone much happier. You stay hermetically sealed, and potential "friends" don't get to feel like a walking disease. Everyone wins.

Do you think everyone who thinks shoes should come off are paranoid misanthropes? And we should be banished to our homes for the rest of our lives alone? I think now YOU are being judgmental.

Apparently you have never met a REAL paranoid person. One who is simply concerned with tracking in dirt, debris, and germs with shoes is NOT paranoid. But ok...

 

[iota15]

Apparently this thread has not been as entertaining to you as it has been to me. The disclaimer about it being a cultural thing wasn't enough either, it would seem.

Cultural taboos are often irrational, and everyone has them in some form or another. Where I live now, women would rather get fired for violating our Corporate Security policy of 'no purses on desks' than place them under a desk. It's not about the price of the purse, because even cheap purses have the same taboo; to them, placing a purse on the floor means that giant mutant aids-carrying murderous BUGS OF DOOM are going to suddenly swarm it with the malicious intent to eat everyone at every location to which they carry their now-infested purse.

I always wash my hands thoroughly after using the washroom, but you should have seen the fit my Moroccan ex threw when I accidentally touched food with my left hand at a restaurant we were at. You'd think I'd just shat in my hand and then chucked it into the food.

Like I said, cultural taboos are irrational, and you're never going to shame or fuss people into not feeling them.

Edit: I think I'd rather have them snort coke than smoke in my house, actually. At least the proximity of the coke wouldn't cause me to have an allergic reaction and stop breathing.

I find this thread entertaining too. It's interesting to see each of our cultural norms exemplified here.

Plus, I'm not a germophobe just cause I was raised shoes-off. If I were, I would wash my hands BEFORE and After I used the bathroom. As it is only the norm to wash After in my area, that is what I do.

 

[Laila619]

You know, when every person is merely a disgusting potential source of infection or dirt to you, it's time to admit to being a paranoid misanthrope, and just stay home. ALONE. Really. It has the potential to just make everyone much happier. You stay hermetically sealed, and potential "friends" don't get to feel like a walking disease. Everyone wins.

Oh please. So a simple request to remove outdoor shoes inside the home = paranoid minanthrope now?

 

[mayerling]

For those who insist on shoes off as people enter the house because of germs, and who have a special place to put people's shoes, can't germs travel from that place to the rest of the house?

 

[Missy]

This article is interesting- and it recommends that you take your shoes off at the door and put them in the closet and then wash your hands to prevent tracking germs. However, it also says that while shoes are quite filthy that proper etiquette would be to not insist your guests remove their shoes but if you do they should follow suit. In fact, Emily Post says it is OK to ask but said that some people might not feel comfortable. Just as we have been discussing here.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Consumer/story?id=5177409&page=1

Anyway, nothing we haven't been discussing and I appreciate all the different points of views. I think that this thread supports what my dh was saying that if we ask guests to remove their shoes (and evidence does support that it is healthier to do so) it will be an inconvenience to at least some if not many guests and in doing so your guests may not feel comfortable. And that may be a less than gracious way to treat guests.

While I appreciate all the discussion I see no reason to bicker about this. And I also cannot understand some of the posters sarcastic/condescending tone and why they feel the need to make fun of those who prefer shoes to be removed. I mean, comparing them to people who are mentally ill is ludicrous. Not sure why some people feel so threatened by those who have views different than theirs.

 

[Glitz]

This is one interesting thread lol, personally I remove my shoes whenever I go into someones house, even if they insist I keep them on. I wouldn't want people wearing shoes in my house so why would I wear them in theirs? This weekend we're having about 50 people come through the house for our housewarming party, and while I hope people remove their shoes, I'm not going to have time to stand around at the front door and monitor it. I will however notice people who have kept their shoes on, it just irks me a little.

 

[iheartscience]

This article is interesting- and it recommends that you take your shoes off at the door and put them in the closet and then wash your hands to prevent tracking germs. However, it also says that while shoes are quite filthy that proper etiquette would be to not insist your guests remove their shoes but if you do they should follow suit. In fact, Emily Post says it is OK to ask but said that some people might not feel comfortable. Just as we have been discussing here.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Consumer/story?id=5177409&page=1

Anyway, nothing we haven't been discussing and I appreciate all the different points of views. I think that this thread supports what my dh was saying that if we ask guests to remove their shoes (and evidence does support that it is healthier to do so) it will be an inconvenience to at least some if not many guests and in doing so your guests may not feel comfortable. And that may be a less than gracious way to treat guests.

While I appreciate all the discussion I see no reason to bicker about this. And I also cannot understand some of the posters sarcastic/condescending tone and why they feel the need to make fun of those who prefer shoes to be removed. I mean, comparing them to people who are mentally ill is ludicrous. Not sure why some people feel so threatened by those who have views different than theirs.

To be fair, a lot of the shoes-off crew are acting like the shoes-on people are filthy, disease-tracking bums intent on poisoning their pets and children.

I agree with Emily Post and I've heard that advice before in regards to this issue. And I'd absolutely take my shoes off if asked. I'd actually take them off without being asked if I saw a pile of shoes at the front door and saw that the host/hostess was shoeless.

 

[iugurl]

I mean, comparing them to people who are mentally ill is ludicrous. Not sure why some people feel so threatened by those who have views different than theirs.

To be fair, a lot of the shoes-off crew are acting like the shoes-on people are filthy, disease-tracking bums intent on poisoning their pets and children.

Indeed it is ridiculous Missy. I am not sure how thinking that shoes are filthy (um they are, do you think the parking lots, sidewalks, even grass in which many animals have defecated in are clean?? ) with bacteria = mental illness. Or how that is "fair..."

 

[iota15]

While I appreciate all the discussion I see no reason to bicker about this. And I also cannot understand some of the posters sarcastic/condescending tone and why they feel the need to make fun of those who prefer shoes to be removed. I mean, comparing them to people who are mentally ill is ludicrous. Not sure why some people feel so threatened by those who have views different than theirs.

I think in the end, no one wants to think they are unhygenic or festering a dirty environment (and this can come from all sorts of sources - not just shoes, of course) - and maybe there's just a bit of defensiveness going on. Those who leave shoes-on culturally are going to feel it is unnecessary to take them off, regardless of the evidence, and vice versa for the shoes-off people.

 

[iota15]

To be fair, a lot of the shoes-off crew are acting like the shoes-on people are filthy, disease-tracking bums intent on poisoning their pets and children.

I agree with Emily Post and I've heard that advice before in regards to this issue. And I'd absolutely take my shoes off if asked. I'd actually take them off without being asked if I saw a pile of shoes at the front door and saw that the host/hostess was shoeless.

No one thinks the shoes-on people are intent on poisoning their pets and children. I know you're just being cheeky, but I'm just curious - for those who know now what are on your shoes, would you consider a shoe-free house?

 

[ksinger]

This article is interesting- and it recommends that you take your shoes off at the door and put them in the closet and then wash your hands to prevent tracking germs. However, it also says that while shoes are quite filthy that proper etiquette would be to not insist your guests remove their shoes but if you do they should follow suit. In fact, Emily Post says it is OK to ask but said that some people might not feel comfortable. Just as we have been discussing here.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Consumer/story?id=5177409&page=1

Anyway, nothing we haven't been discussing and I appreciate all the different points of views. I think that this thread supports what my dh was saying that if we ask guests to remove their shoes (and evidence does support that it is healthier to do so) it will be an inconvenience to at least some if not many guests and in doing so your guests may not feel comfortable. And that may be a less than gracious way to treat guests.

While I appreciate all the discussion I see no reason to bicker about this. And I also cannot understand some of the posters sarcastic/condescending tone and why they feel the need to make fun of those who prefer shoes to be removed. I mean, comparing them to people who are mentally ill is ludicrous. Not sure why some people feel so threatened by those who have views different than theirs.

To be fair, a lot of the shoes-off crew are acting like the shoes-on people are filthy, disease-tracking bums intent on poisoning their pets and children.

I agree with Emily Post and I've heard that advice before in regards to this issue. And I'd absolutely take my shoes off if asked. I'd actually take them off without being asked if I saw a pile of shoes at the front door and saw that the host/hostess was shoeless.

Yes.

No, I too have found this thread to be entertaining and actually informative, even if more than a bit repetitive, since this thread is a 4 page rehash of a recent previous one. From a cultural perspective I had no idea that this topic dominated the thoughts of so many so much of the time. A revelation.

As for me being judgemental, I'm merely responding with the level of hyperbole expressed by others. Apparently several here are unable to see through my extreme comments either, and are taking them quite seriously. Odd how that happens, isn't it. But if you go back and read, my previous 2 posts in this thread have been quite mild, with no judgement or defensiveness or disgust expressed. I don't really care one way or another, and merely pointed out that some of us wear shoes of necessity, and not to disgust or put out our friends and acquaintances. If I could take my shoes off in someone's house and actually be able to walk well, I would be more than happy to do so, but I really cannot. But yes, if a cultural norm becomes so rigid and is so completely laced with disgust as several posts here have been, why can't I see it as near-pathological? I'M not the one who began by oozing disdain here.

If I misinterpreted your post Galateia, when you didn't really mean make the disgust you feel at smoking and illegal drug use equivalent with the disgust you feel at people who wear shoes indoors, then I apologize. But the tone of your post really rubbed me the wrong way.

 

[iheartscience]

I mean, comparing them to people who are mentally ill is ludicrous. Not sure why some people feel so threatened by those who have views different than theirs.

To be fair, a lot of the shoes-off crew are acting like the shoes-on people are filthy, disease-tracking bums intent on poisoning their pets and children.

Indeed it is ridiculous Missy. I am not sure how thinking that shoes are filthy (um they are, do you think the parking lots, sidewalks, even grass in which many animals have defecated in are clean?? ) with bacteria = mental illness. Or how that is "fair..."

Pretty sure I never said shoes-off people were mentally ill. Although if you can't tell the difference between stepping in grass that an animal may have pooped in at some point in the history of the earth and stepping in a pile of fresh poop, maybe you are?

 

[iheartscience]

To be fair, a lot of the shoes-off crew are acting like the shoes-on people are filthy, disease-tracking bums intent on poisoning their pets and children.

I agree with Emily Post and I've heard that advice before in regards to this issue. And I'd absolutely take my shoes off if asked. I'd actually take them off without being asked if I saw a pile of shoes at the front door and saw that the host/hostess was shoeless.

No one thinks the shoes-on people are intent on poisoning their pets and children. I know you're just being cheeky, but I'm just curious - for those who know now what are on your shoes, would you consider a shoe-free house?

Nope, I haven't come across anything in this thread that would warrant a change of heart, at least not for me. And I'm too lazy to look anywhere else. Now, show me an actual scientific study in a respected journal that found that shoes-on people have poorer health than shoes-off people, and maybe I'd convert. But probably not!

I really think it boils down to a cultural difference. Of course shoes-off people think shoes are filthy-they were raised that way! And as a shoes-on person, it's just a non-issue for me. And I'd actually consider myself to be a bit of a germophobe-I wash my hands more than anyone I know.

 

[Rae~]

I'm posting here mainly to ask Thingof2 where she sourced her wedding place /name cards from, and seeing as we can't PM I am hoping she'll see this question! Thingof2 - did you buy them locally? I'd love a link if you bought them online (I'm really hoping you did!!)

Apologies for the off-topic intrusion.

So, on the topic of shoes.... I much prefer no shoes inside the house, after growing accustomed to it during years of living in North Asia. I like that it keeps the house much cleaner and that I can have no qualms about sitting on our lounge room floor. It also lessens the wear-and-tear on polished wooden floors, and protects my handmade middle eastern rugs. I don't jump up and down if someone walk in with their shoes on, although if it's muddy outside I will definitely ask if they don't mind removing them. Most people figure out the no-shoe policy fairly quickly and don't mind following our lead.

If/when we ever design and build a house (fingers crossed, it will happen one day!) I will be incorporating a tiled entrance area inside the front door, with a step up to the rest of the house (which would ideally be wooden floors). There will be slippers available if people prefer to use them, a shoe cupboard for storage of the family's shoes, and a chair for people to use as they remove/put on their shoes. It is actually one aspect of my "dream house" that has been set in stone for as long as I've been thinking about houses!

 

[iugurl]

I mean, comparing them to people who are mentally ill is ludicrous. Not sure why some people feel so threatened by those who have views different than theirs.

To be fair, a lot of the shoes-off crew are acting like the shoes-on people are filthy, disease-tracking bums intent on poisoning their pets and children.

Indeed it is ridiculous Missy. I am not sure how thinking that shoes are filthy (um they are, do you think the parking lots, sidewalks, even grass in which many animals have defecated in are clean?? ) with bacteria = mental illness. Or how that is "fair..."

Pretty sure I never said shoes-off people were mentally ill. Although if you can't tell the difference between stepping in grass that an animal may have pooped in at some point in the history of the earth and stepping in a pile of fresh poop, maybe you are?

Pretty sure I never said you did. Although if you can't tell the difference then maybe...???

Ksinger said that those who feel this way are paranoid misanthropes. Once Missy pointed this out, you said "To be fair, a lot of the shoes-off crew are acting like the shoes-on people are filthy, disease-tracking bums intent on poisoning their pets and children."

So I never said YOU said that, but now I guess you did... For those who have dogs, they probably step out on grass that have been recently pooed in, not a month ago, a year ago, or a millennium ago. I really don't appreciate you saying that I am ill because I don't see the difference. Not nice

ETA: I am really sad that Pricescopers have resorted to being mean. I have seen it on so many different forums, but not very often here. It is unfortunate.

 

[Missy]

You know, this thread was simply to gauge opinions on if people thought it was rude or OK to ask guests to remove their shoes inside your house. Good manners however are never OK to leave at the door.

 

[portia]

I haven't read anything here that changes my mind about wearing shoes in the house. I mean, I don't wear shoes constantly (I don't have them on now) and sometimes do take them off at the door, but I wore mine through the house today when I got back from work and didn't think a thing of it. I guess I would say I'm germ-aware, but at the lesser end of the spectrum. I wash my hands after using the restroom, when working in the kitchen, after cleaning the litter boxes, etc. I'm rarely sick (never had a flu shot), same with DH, our cats are healthy so I guess I'm just not really worried about germs as much as others. This has been an interesting thread to read though. I had no idea there were so many no-shoes homes. I guess I just don't see it so much here in Chicago. And again, I would of course be a respectful guest in someone's shoe-free home. Although you might have to mention it to me unless it's very clear that everyone there has removed their shoes. Now just don't ask me to remove my pants because they may have touched the ground a couple of times.

Missy, I say do whatever you're comfortable with. I guess you have to gauge it... whether you're more comfortable asking you guests to remove their shoes or more comfortable with them walking around with their shoes on. They're there to see you and your dh, right? I'm sure they'll understand (whatever you decide). No worries!

 

[Haven]

I rarely wear shoes in my house, but I DESPISE walking around without shoes in other people's homes. It just feels too intimate. Nothing I've read in this thread will make me feel more comfortable about walking around sans shoes in other people's homes.

This will come as no surprise to anyone who knows me on here, but I agree with Ms. Emily Post and think she's quite right.

 

[CJ2008]

It is your house - and I think it's OK to ask - but you do run the risk of making some of your guests feel uncomfortable. But if someone said "I'd rather not" or they looked hesitant in any way, I don't think it's OK to insist/require it. So I think the request needs to be made with the idea of giving the guest an out, as in "we really would love if you would make yourself comfortable and taking off your shoes. but we know some people just don't like going barefoot - so it's your choice." Something like that.

I for one think it's a very "intimate" feeling to be barefoot - and wouldn't like to do it except with the closest of friends or family.

Would I do it if I were asked? Yes - I would respect the request. But I wouldn't like it. The only time it might not bother me if I happened to be wearing thick gym socks. I have nice feet - but I would want them to feel "covered".

I've always WANTED to be a shoes-off type of house but I always ruin it - I designate a pair of sandals and then end up walking outside with them.

 

[iheartscience]

I'm posting here mainly to ask Thingof2 where she sourced her wedding place /name cards from, and seeing as we can't PM I am hoping she'll see this question! Thingof2 - did you buy them locally? I'd love a link if you bought them online (I'm really hoping you did!!)

Apologies for the off-topic intrusion.

So, on the topic of shoes.... I much prefer no shoes inside the house, after growing accustomed to it during years of living in North Asia. I like that it keeps the house much cleaner and that I can have no qualms about sitting on our lounge room floor. It also lessens the wear-and-tear on polished wooden floors, and protects my handmade middle eastern rugs. I don't jump up and down if someone walk in with their shoes on, although if it's muddy outside I will definitely ask if they don't mind removing them. Most people figure out the no-shoe policy fairly quickly and don't mind following our lead.

If/when we ever design and build a house (fingers crossed, it will happen one day!) I will be incorporating a tiled entrance area inside the front door, with a step up to the rest of the house (which would ideally be wooden floors). There will be slippers available if people prefer to use them, a shoe cupboard for storage of the family's shoes, and a chair for people to use as they remove/put on their shoes. It is actually one aspect of my "dream house" that has been set in stone for as long as I've been thinking about houses!

Ha no problem! They're by Martha Stewart and I got them at Michael's, but they do carry some of the Martha Stewart wedding/craft range at Wal-Mart, too. I had to drive around to a few Michael's stores to get enough for my wedding but luckily there were several in my area.

 

[iheartscience]

I mean, comparing them to people who are mentally ill is ludicrous. Not sure why some people feel so threatened by those who have views different than theirs.

To be fair, a lot of the shoes-off crew are acting like the shoes-on people are filthy, disease-tracking bums intent on poisoning their pets and children.

Indeed it is ridiculous Missy. I am not sure how thinking that shoes are filthy (um they are, do you think the parking lots, sidewalks, even grass in which many animals have defecated in are clean?? ) with bacteria = mental illness. Or how that is "fair..."

Pretty sure I never said shoes-off people were mentally ill. Although if you can't tell the difference between stepping in grass that an animal may have pooped in at some point in the history of the earth and stepping in a pile of fresh poop, maybe you are?

Pretty sure I never said you did. Although if you can't tell the difference then maybe...???

Ksinger said that those who feel this way are paranoid misanthropes. Once Missy pointed this out, you said "To be fair, a lot of the shoes-off crew are acting like the shoes-on people are filthy, disease-tracking bums intent on poisoning their pets and children."

So I never said YOU said that, but now I guess you did... For those who have dogs, they probably step out on grass that have been recently pooed in, not a month ago, a year ago, or a millennium ago. I really don't appreciate you saying that I am ill because I don't see the difference. Not nice

ETA: I am really sad that Pricescopers have resorted to being mean. I have seen it on so many different forums, but not very often here. It is unfortunate.

You quoted me when you mentioned mental illness and mocked my use of the word fair, which implies that you were either responding to me or were offended by my posts or both. And I'm not sure how me poking fun at part of your response (mentally ill) is any different than you poking fun at mine (fair).

I do think it's funny that everyone is so mad about shoes in the house, though! Is that mean, too?

 

[galeteia]

I mean, comparing them to people who are mentally ill is ludicrous. Not sure why some people feel so threatened by those who have views different than theirs.

To be fair, a lot of the shoes-off crew are acting like the shoes-on people are filthy, disease-tracking bums intent on poisoning their pets and children.

Indeed it is ridiculous Missy. I am not sure how thinking that shoes are filthy (um they are, do you think the parking lots, sidewalks, even grass in which many animals have defecated in are clean?? ) with bacteria = mental illness. Or how that is "fair..."

Pretty sure I never said shoes-off people were mentally ill. Although if you can't tell the difference between stepping in grass that an animal may have pooped in at some point in the history of the earth and stepping in a pile of fresh poop, maybe you are?

Pretty sure I never said you did. Although if you can't tell the difference then maybe...???

Ksinger said that those who feel this way are paranoid misanthropes. Once Missy pointed this out, you said "To be fair, a lot of the shoes-off crew are acting like the shoes-on people are filthy, disease-tracking bums intent on poisoning their pets and children."

So I never said YOU said that, but now I guess you did... For those who have dogs, they probably step out on grass that have been recently pooed in, not a month ago, a year ago, or a millennium ago. I really don't appreciate you saying that I am ill because I don't see the difference. Not nice

ETA: I am really sad that Pricescopers have resorted to being mean. I have seen it on so many different forums, but not very often here. It is unfortunate.

You quoted me when you mentioned mental illness and mocked my use of the word fair, which implies that you were either responding to me or were offended by my posts or both. And I'm not sure how me poking fun at part of your response (mentally ill) is any different than you poking fun at mine (fair).

I do think it's funny that everyone is so mad about shoes in the house, though! Is that mean, too?

I think the whole thing is hilarious, including how defensive people are getting about not being allowed to wear shoes in the house.

I am a little bemused that people aren't applying the same perspective on this that they would on other cultural 'quirks'; I included the examples of purses on the floor and eating with the left hand, which are also taboos that take on the irrational edge of a cultural thing-- note I am saying the EDGE is irrational, not the taboo itself. It's absolutely true that some floors are dirty and bugs could get in your purse, it's absolutely true that people in desert climates may have to 'go' when there is no water around for thorough hand washing, and it's also true that gross things get tracked in on people's feet onto the carpet where I sit, spread out my crafting projects, and walk with bare feet.

 

[zhuzhu]

Isn't the turn of this thread a solid evidence that" people prefer to hang out/live close to those who are like-minded"? If true, why are we so surprised and upset by the social-economic obstacles and "invisible segregation" that many believes are responsible for making US education system such as mess?

The truth is, every one of us and our quirky likes and dislikes, tolerance and intolerance, contribute to little problems like shoes removal and big problems like the less-than-ideal education system.

 

[iheartscience]

I mean, comparing them to people who are mentally ill is ludicrous. Not sure why some people feel so threatened by those who have views different than theirs.

To be fair, a lot of the shoes-off crew are acting like the shoes-on people are filthy, disease-tracking bums intent on poisoning their pets and children.

Indeed it is ridiculous Missy. I am not sure how thinking that shoes are filthy (um they are, do you think the parking lots, sidewalks, even grass in which many animals have defecated in are clean?? ) with bacteria = mental illness. Or how that is "fair..."

Pretty sure I never said shoes-off people were mentally ill. Although if you can't tell the difference between stepping in grass that an animal may have pooped in at some point in the history of the earth and stepping in a pile of fresh poop, maybe you are?

Pretty sure I never said you did. Although if you can't tell the difference then maybe...???

Ksinger said that those who feel this way are paranoid misanthropes. Once Missy pointed this out, you said "To be fair, a lot of the shoes-off crew are acting like the shoes-on people are filthy, disease-tracking bums intent on poisoning their pets and children."

So I never said YOU said that, but now I guess you did... For those who have dogs, they probably step out on grass that have been recently pooed in, not a month ago, a year ago, or a millennium ago. I really don't appreciate you saying that I am ill because I don't see the difference. Not nice

ETA: I am really sad that Pricescopers have resorted to being mean. I have seen it on so many different forums, but not very often here. It is unfortunate.

You quoted me when you mentioned mental illness and mocked my use of the word fair, which implies that you were either responding to me or were offended by my posts or both. And I'm not sure how me poking fun at part of your response (mentally ill) is any different than you poking fun at mine (fair).

I do think it's funny that everyone is so mad about shoes in the house, though! Is that mean, too?

I think the whole thing is hilarious, including how defensive people are getting about not being allowed to wear shoes in the house.

I am a little bemused that people aren't applying the same perspective on this that they would on other cultural 'quirks'; I included the examples of purses on the floor and eating with the left hand, which are also taboos that take on the irrational edge of a cultural thing-- note I am saying the EDGE is irrational, not the taboo itself. It's absolutely true that some floors are dirty and bugs could get in your purse, it's absolutely true that people in desert climates may have to 'go' when there is no water around for thorough hand washing, and it's also true that gross things get tracked in on people's feet onto the carpet where I sit, spread out my crafting projects, and walk with bare feet.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks it's funny! And look-a shoes-off and shoes-on can agree on that! As for the purse on the floor, my Filipina friend told me that if you keep your purse on the floor you'll lose your money. So it might not just be about bugs!