Dear Tell All: You were hard on Hands Off the Boots, the transplanted Texan who hates it when Madisonians insist that he remove his shoes in their houses (“Don’t Make Me Take My Shoes Off at Your House!” Nov. 16, 2015). But you focused on his macho arrogance rather than sticking up for the principle of the thing.
Why do people ask guests to take off their shoes?
1. Because it saves the wood floors that they spent thousands of dollars refinishing.
2. Because even when you wipe your feet, snow, sand, salt and rain still manage to get tracked into the house. (And some guests don't do a very good job wiping their feet, either. I've had that experience multiple times.)
3. Because some people have kids who play on the floor, or do activities on the floor themselves — exercise, watch TV, have sex, etc. They don't want the dirt (and maybe dog feces, garbage, street sweepings) tracked into the house.
4. Because they don't like doing housework, and keeping the dirt at the door cuts down on sweeping and mopping the floor.
5. Because removing shoes when you enter the house is the civilized thing to do. Sort of like washing your hands after you use the toilet.
Shoes Off, Please
Dear Shoes Off: Now that you’re attacking Hands Off the Boots, I’m inclined to stick up for him. My ability to see both sides of an issue must explain why I became an advice columnist — and also why I have no friends.
If I’m a guest at your house, Shoes Off, isn’t it rude to elevate your precious wood floors over my comfort? I mean, why should I care how much you invested in them? Should I also refrain from sitting on your expensive couch for fear of wearing it out? It’s hard to believe that in the course of a two-hour visit, my rubber-soled Hush Puppies will cost you thousands in refinishing fees.
And you can’t even be bothered sweeping after someone visits? Man, that’s cold. Are you so eager to have sex on the floor that you won’t spend two minutes with the broom after a guest heads home?
As desperate as I am for a friend, Shoes Off, I think I’ll pass on your next dinner invitation.
Do you have a question about life or love in Madison?
Write Tell All, 100 State St., Madison, WI 53703. Or email tellall@isthmus.com.
