Ammaki, I don't usually ask people either. Most people do it automatically. Maybe because they see us do it or because they do it themselves. I did ask my in-laws as they come over regularly and we're family. I would not ask someone I didn't know too well. Even with my in-laws it took me 8 years. Basically, walking over the baby playrug with outside shoes was the last straw. I mean, why do you reckon I bother with the rug, not to protect the carpet, but to give my baby a clean surface.

Charmalea, house-shoes (slippers) are different. So if you have a pair for indoors, I would not classify that as wearing your shoes indoors iykwim. I have carpet in the loungeroom (one of these days I will have enough money to get floorboards).

I also don't like the feeling of thigs sticking to my bare feet. hence why I don't like people dragging in dirt from outside. I vaccum the loungeroom and kitchen and around the dining table at least every 2 days, the rest of the house a little bit less. This way I keep crumbs and other bits to a minimum.

Sasa