(MENAFN) When it comes to the ongoing debate over whether to keep shoes on or take them off when entering a home, "Ask Amy" advice columnist Amy Dickinson has a clear stance: shoes off. Growing up on a dairy farm and now residing in the Finger Lakes region of New York, Dickinson is acutely aware of what might be lurking on the soles of her shoes—dirt, grass, weeds, spores, and perhaps even some traces of manure. Despite the potential mess, Dickinson finds humor in the situation, jokingly mentioning how her dog's recent encounter with a dead animal doesn't faze her. In fact, she has observed that in rural areas, the norm tends to be keeping shoes on indoors.
For Dickinson, the shoes on/shoes off debate boils down to a matter of hospitality. Drawing from her personal experiences, she believes that when hosts insist on guests removing their shoes, it can inadvertently send a message that the cleanliness of the floors outweighs the comfort and well-being of the guests themselves. In a 2007 column, she delved into this topic, highlighting the tension between valuing pristine floors and prioritizing the comfort of visitors.
However, Los Angeles-based writer Jeff Yang takes an opposing view. For him, requesting guests to remove their shoes and providing slippers is an act of hospitality. He sees changing into slippers as a way to create an atmosphere of informality, comfort, and intimacy. Yang, who grew up in New York's Staten Island, admitted to rebelling against his parents' house rules by wearing shoes indoors, which prompted them to encourage him to spend a semester abroad to learn about cultural norms and traditions.
The shoes on/shoes off debate reveals contrasting perspectives on home etiquette and hospitality. While Dickinson believes that prioritizing the comfort of guests should take precedence, Yang argues that creating a relaxed and intimate environment through the act of changing into slippers fosters a sense of welcome. Ultimately, the choice between shoes on or shoes off may vary depending on personal preferences, cultural background, and regional customs, highlighting the diverse ways people navigate the balance between cleanliness and hospitality in their homes.
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