> In USA and Canada, it seems to largely be an instinct to say "Don't take off your shoes, please!" out of politeness. I'm in Canada and this is true, but I've

> In USA and Canada, it seems to largely be an instinct to say "Don't take off your shoes, please!" out of politeness. I'm in Canada and this is true, but I've found that this is usually said when I'm already far enough into taking my shoes off that it would be too weird to go "alright then" and put them back on. I also find it awkward to keep my shoes on in someone else's house. As if I'm some sort of special guest with special privileges that allow me to bring dirt into their house, while the owner of the house clearly isn't wearing outside shoes. I would actually much prefer someone saying "please take your shoes off", and avoid the whole awkward and illogical politeness ritual. edit: I forgot to say, I am in Canada (Quebec), but not Canadian, so it's probably also a cultural difference that makes me feel this way. I am from the Netherlands, where wearing your outside shoes in the house is very unusual. Someone telling me to keep my shoes on in the house is almost like someone telling me "please don't wash your hands" after going to their bathroom.