This may vary by region (in the States & abroad), but it's also cultural. So I guess if people want to be more forgiving towards the "Japanese" (or how about, ALL Asians for that matter? I'm KOREAN-American and lived in Southern California my entire life), then so be it. I think it's funny that your friend, Jessica, is "disgusted" when people ask her to take her shoes off (I guess I'm enlightened as I never saw it this way). I find it disgusting when people keep their shoes on, as I'd rather not track in dog poop or urine (if those shoes have ever seen a public restroom) onto my rugs. Spills and messes on my tile floor I could care less about...I would imagine I'd have a hard time vacuuming dog shit out of an expensive rug. But maybe I should still never throw parties, or only invite my Asian friends?

I would never ask (or force) my guests to remove their shoes. They usually do this on their own. I want guests to feel comfortable in my home. But to polarize an entire group of people with the foot fungus comment? Not cool. I've never had any guests complain of foot fungus after a visit to my house.

Or maybe her article was just directed at white people since the "Japanese" are forgiven?

This may vary by region (in the States & abroad), but it's also cultural. So I guess if people want to be more forgiving for "Japanese" (or how about, ALL Asians?), then so be it. I think it's funny that your friend, Jessica, is "disgusted" when people ask her to take her shoes off (I guess I'm enlightened as I never saw it this way). I find it disgusting when people keep their shoes on, as I'd rather not track in dog poop or urine (if those shoes have ever seen a public restroom) onto my rugs. Spills and messes on my tile floor I could care less about...I would imagine I'd have a hard time vacuuming dog shit out of an expensive rug. But maybe I should still never throw parties, or only invite my Asian friends?

Now, I realize much of this has to do w/cultural traditions and how we all grew up. I am a Southern California native, born and raised, and my parents are immigrants from Korea. I would never imagine even entering another Asian person's house and keeping my shoes on. It's like second nature - you enter the house, and you immediately take your shoes off. To not take them off would be considered rude.

Most non-Asian friends who come to our house don't even ask - they'll see what everyone else is doing and follow suit. I do the same thing when I enter someone's house; if everyone's wearing shoes, I'll keep them on, and if they're all barefoot, I figure they don't like wearing shoes in the house so I'll take mine off.

That being said, I never ask or force my guests to remove their shoes, even though this is common in our house. Guests usually do this on their own, and I'd hate to have people feel uncomfortable in my home. But like others have said, it's kind of a no-brainer if your shoes are wet and gross.

Agree.

Thank you for sharing your story.

I paint them myself, but not regularly. I have to be in the mood (and have the time) to paint them. They're currently painted.

Pedis I do find to be a treat, but again, I usually do them myself unless I feel like splurging, so I maybe pay for 3 or 4 a year.

You are definitely not alone (as the community of commenters here clearly shows)! I am so very sorry for your losses.

Yes! I think our stories can and do bring healing to others. I felt so isolated and alone during my miscarriage, and as I started to share with more women, I began to learn there were many moms out there who had experienced miscarriages, and I started to feel like we were all a part of a secret society. Sharing my story I think was God's way of healing me. I am so sorry for your losses.

Thank you for sharing, Kathryn. I'm so so sorry for your loss. It is devastating. I'm SO glad you have sweet, supportive friends around you who can just be there. I pray your physical recovery from the D&C is speedy, and that you would continue to feel God's love and comfort during this time. Hugs to you.

Yes, I agree. Going through pain definitely makes you more sensitive to it.

I am a parent and I quite enjoyed reading the ridiculous, hysterical rant. "...this is why I don't have children, but honestly my children would be..." That line kills me. Fantastic.