I've posted this one on all the forums for alternative living. Just wondered what the reaction from your family and friends has been for what they may see as a leftfield way of life, especially if like me some of your family is quite rigid and conservative. Mind you in my case, going barefoot was probably least of their worries! As for my friends, while some of them never barefoot outside their homes they have a chilled out attitude and have long since accepted what they see as my unconventional ways,none of them have an issue with me being a bit different. Just as well really otherwise they wouldn't be friends!
:iagree: True enough. As for my family, my parents (back when they were alive) were tolerant in a way of shrugging and saying "whatever fuels your ride" (well, not literally saying that, but in the sense of it, that is...). My brothers and their families are more like neutrally observant when saying something like "Ah, I see you're still barefoot all the time...". Since my parents, brothers and myself come from a 1980s leftist peace movement (anti-nuke) background, they were and are more open to alternative lifestyles than most of the mainstream. I guess I am lucky to have been allowed to grow up to being who I am now. Wiggling happy bare toes, ~*Ganesha*~
My mum hates it. My sister's not a fan. My dad isn't bothered as long as it's not in a situation that might embarrass him personally. He doesn't understand why I do it mind. I've got lots of friends who are just used to it. Because we're all grownups now (allegedly) and we're all peers my friends are always curious and ask all the usual questions but are generally satisfied with the answers. Very occasionally I meet people who think it's beyond comprehensibility and find it very alarming and confusing, but they wouldn't disown me for it. I also have some friends who react with admiration, saying that it's not their thing but it's really cool that I don't let anything stop me from doing mine.
I'm at a point I don't care what others may think. I like being barefoot and just do it. If I'm anticipating a situation where it may make others uncomfortable or if I feel it otherwise necessary, I'll put on flip-flops. For example, if I'm meeting friends for drinks/dinner, I don't want to ruin the experience by risking the establishment won't let me in, so I put on flip-flops. I also do this if I'm going to a nice restaurant. My family doesn't mention my bare feet. My friends may tease me about it in passing, but it's nothing negative, just fun. I think most people envy my determination and willingness to sacrifice "fashion" in the interest of comfort.
My girlfriend has now gotten so used to it that she does not even mention it when we are going to a movie or whatever. The last time she said anything we had gone to a movie, and I was on crutches with my left leg in cast. The lift was on the side of the building, so we went in the front entrance and I hopped up the stairs on my good bare foot. Coming out I took the elevator, but it exited into an alley with a lot of broken glass and she was concerned I might cut my foot, and she didn't belive my bare sole was tough enough to handle it.
when i started barefooting again on a regular basis about 8 years ago. i met with disapproval. now my friends and family members are used to seeing me barefoot. those that disapproved are no longer part of my life. you live once, if someone does not accept you, "fuck em" imo.
My family and friends have no problem with barefeet, and it would make no difference to me if they did!
I am very fortunate that family, friends, associates, clients (!) and most people I have to work with do not have any problem with my habits. The culture, however, does. Major disappointment.
So far my mum and brother haven't mentioned anything, but I've only encountered them barefoot a couple of times each, so I've no idea if they noticed or not. My girlfriend and I stayed with a friend last week and "put your shoes on" was a recurring topic, but mostly in jest. He even joined me for a (rather slow) barefoot walk in the countryside with nobody else around. His girlfriend complained quite often about feet being disgusting, though. While she was happily wearing flipflops. And it turns out my girlfriend doesn't like me not wearing shoes either, she just hadn't complained with nobody to back her up. Another good friend is quite supportive of it, although won't join in. I got the impression that his gf doesn't like it though.
Attitudes towards lifestyle issues such as barefooting can be a good indicator of later trends in a relationship. Potential life partners will accept their mate's quirks with good grace and support their lifestyle choices. Those who are consistently and persistently critical and judgmental of their mates are unlikely to change their behavior.
in my experience the only ones who show some degree of acceptance are a few of my friends while partners and family seemed and seem quite pissed off . but since it is now some time since my personal well-being died and i don't feel like hanging with just about everybody this does not matter that much.
