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AIBU

Am I being too fussy

(141 Posts)
GrannyIvy Thu 25-Apr-24 18:05:19

When family, friends or tradesmen come to my home I like them to remove their outdoor shoes and if they do not do this automatically on entering I request they do so. I like to keep my floors and carpets clean. Family and friends are used to me and most are happy to take their outdoor footwear off in the hallway. However one friend I have to request he does this each time he arrives, he comes in once a week, and I find this frustrating and uncomfortable to keep asking. Tradesman on the whole will bring shoe protectors or happy to remove boots or shoes. Am I being a Hyasinth Bouquet? I feel it is my home and I want to keep it nice! I always remove outdoor footwear when I go into someone else’s house even if they say no need to as to me this feels the right thing to do.

Cossy Sat 27-Apr-24 12:32:13

Like many others we have laminate floors in our downstairs as we have four dogs in our household!

I automatically remove my outdoor shoes in my friends houses who have carpets.

I’m on the fence as to whether you’re too fussy 😂😂😂😂

montymops Sat 27-Apr-24 12:36:04

I agree with whoever said that the comfort of my guests is far more important to me than the fitted hall carpet! It has been down now for over forty years, it is a very easy colour warm and friendly - yes - it was very expensive at the time but has lasted through 3 children growing up plus all their friends visiting, our parties, their parties, and now grandchildren marching through- still looks good - hardly any wear, and we have it cleaned and washed now and again!

Babamaman Sat 27-Apr-24 12:38:19

Totally agree with you ! I take my slippers to most family & friends homes! Who wants muddy dirty outdoor filth brought into your home. My pet hate is even worse when outdoor shoes are worn in the bathroom! Where you go after a shower barefoot!I must be obsessed!

Cossy Sat 27-Apr-24 12:40:29

Germanshepherdsmum

I wouldn’t fancy being handed slippers that others had worn.

Nor would I! Especially people I’d never met!

sodapop Sat 27-Apr-24 12:43:16

I dislike carpets as well. After seeing the dirt I clean from my tiled floors I wouldn’t like to think of that ingrained in carpets. I do have rugs but generally inexpensive ones which can be replaced easily.
I don't ask visitors to take off their shoes but I respect the wishes of others if I am a guest in their home.

Marthjolly1 Sat 27-Apr-24 12:47:44

It's seems to be such an individual emotive preference. Although it doesn't particularly bother me if guests keep their shoes on, I always offer to remove mine if visiting. It just seems respectful to do so. The first thing I do when I return from anywhere is get my slippers on. But in the summer I just love to be barefoot.

Germanshepherdsmum Sat 27-Apr-24 12:59:48

I had carpets in my last house. We have wooden flooring here, except on the stairs, and I much prefer it. So quick and easy to clean. Whenever carpets are shampooed the dirt in the water is horrifying. I won’t have them again.

Sarahr Sat 27-Apr-24 13:10:19

I used to have flip flop style slippers for guests to slip on in different colours. Washable too.

undines Sat 27-Apr-24 13:11:38

So much depends on the cleanliness of floors and feet concerned! I have a friend who likes shoes removed but her floors are so dirty I don't like putting my socks on them, let alone bare feet! As for someone else's slippers - no thanks!

cc Sat 27-Apr-24 13:31:50

I find that most tradesmen offer to take their shoes off, as do many friends. I wouldn’t expect a friend to do it unless it was muddy and wet.

cc Sat 27-Apr-24 13:33:16

(We don’t have any carpets, just wooden floors which are comfortable to walk on)

VenusDeVillendorf Sat 27-Apr-24 13:36:15

I think it’s best to provide slippers/ socks and a seat if you want visitors to take off their shoes?

Some people aren’t as flexible to undo laces and take off shoes.

They may be embarrassed that they have smelly feet or might have diabetes and prefer to wear their own shoes to protect their feet.

GrumpyGrandy Sat 27-Apr-24 13:39:57

Shoe protectors are very cheap on Amazon, about £8:per 100, you could keep a stock in perhaps?

Mojack26 Sat 27-Apr-24 13:45:36

I agree with you. I never ask people to take their shoes off....

Knittypamela Sat 27-Apr-24 13:51:22

My husband has swollen feet and it is an ordeal getting his shoes on. We were asked to remove our shoes before entering a friends caravan and I could see it embarrassed him. To be fair that's the only time we've been asked to remove our shoes.

knspol Sat 27-Apr-24 13:52:40

Never ask people to remove shoes but family always does. Hate to do it myself because of ugly bunions which I find embarrassing.

BlueBelle Sat 27-Apr-24 14:06:14

Depends if you want a home or a house mine a well used well loved home, it’s just funny as all the houses I ve been in over the years no one has ever suggested a shoes off policy Perhaps it’s more prevalent now that people buy more expensive furniture and look at house magazines and such
I was brought up in a council prefab with my parents and a lot of time at my Nans boarding house, no visitors were ever asked to take their shoes off. It was accepted that carpets and rugs needed annual cleaning I remember Nan putting the rugs on the washing line and beating them with a wrought iron paddle thingy
I d love all wooden floors but with no central heating it’s much too cold
montypops I think I must have got my hall / stairs carpet from the same shop as you it’s still going strong

sunglow12 Sat 27-Apr-24 14:16:53

You are being sensible and hygienic as around our area there seems to be a lot of dog and fox poo waiting to be trod on all over . 🐶 🦊 💩

hamster58 Sat 27-Apr-24 14:20:50

I'm with you Granny Ivy. I like to know where possible that nothing nasty has come into my clean home. Most friends take their shoes off automatically, as I do at their home unless specifically told not to bother. Tradespeople often have shoe coverings and if not, I have no problem asking them politely if they would do this. Never had a refusal. I think it's even more important if those tradespeople - or anyone else - are going into bedrooms or bathrooms. We all do as we see fit, and in our home, I think we should be comfortable to have things the way we like them

Granmarderby10 Sat 27-Apr-24 14:24:31

🫤 erm - doormats outside and inside the entrance.
And try to look where one walks….
Worse case scenario good old wet wipes and a quality air freshener/disinfectant spray.

ileea Sat 27-Apr-24 14:43:55

You need to put this up.
I automatically take my shoes off when going to someones home.
But I'm usually wearing sandals that are easy to slip on and off.

Niucla97 Sat 27-Apr-24 14:56:11

I would take my shoes off voluntarily if I had been walking somewhere muddy.

I have a friend who insists that you remove your shoes and has male and female slippers either side of the porch in numerous sizes for you to change into. I would prefer not to use them If I know I'm visiting
I take my own. Her house, her rules?

Duvetdiva Sat 27-Apr-24 15:01:11

I’m with Sharina. Other people’s feet! Yucky 🤮

sharon103 Sat 27-Apr-24 15:01:15

I have laminate flooring. the only carpet I have is a runner in the hall.
I never ask for people to take their shoes off but the majority do anyway. I always take my slippers with me when I visit other people.
I can remember when mine were young they would occasionally come in with dog poo on the soles of their shoes. There's nothing worse than having to clean it off believe me.

maddyone Sat 27-Apr-24 15:16:01

You’re not being too fussy, your house, your rules.