Shoes

[xpac]

Here in Saudi Arabia, we have people who don't mind letting guests with their shoes on in their house and some who do, because of hygiene (they use carpets, and dust often gets absorbed in the carpet and leaves a dust mark and dirt and cleaning it is tough).

Well the thing is whenever I go with my parents to someone's house, I don't really know wether I can enter inside wearing the shoes or first remove em and then enter inside. Is there some kind of "rule" for this thing? I personally think it is okay to just ask the hosts when you're standing outside the door: "Would you like me to remove my shoes?"

[Justawoman]

That would work for me. I would not be offended but then again you are there and I am in Texas.

[Grimey]

You'd probably put them in a less-awkward position if you just removed the shoes and had them tell you, "Oh, you could have left your shoes on."

Do the people who like to have the shoes removed have inside and outside shoes in their own home, or do they just always remove them? If they always remove them, then it seems like the obvious answer would be to look at the feet of the person who answers the door. If they have no shoes on, then remove yours. If they are wearing them, then leave yours on.

If there is an inside/outside shoe thing going on, then I would always remove your shoes and let them be the ones to tell you it was unnecessary.