There are many problems in the world but some of them just don't have any answers.

I admit it after 32 years they have got me.

We need rules and we need them now.

Either we take our shoes off or we leave them on. Which is it?

I am not a mind reader. We need guidelines and we need them pronto!

It is no longer as simple as it used to be. I went to a house and I took the shoes off and it was as simple as that.

If I didn't, everyone looked at me funnily as if to say, Look, you may have your face in the paper but take your shoes off in my house.' Sometimes it is necessary to take your shoes off outside and carry them in.

Nowadays it is cooler to leave the shoes on. People don't care any more.

It's all about being modern and fitting in with the neighbours.

Nobody has that plastic sheet in the hallway anymore and the B & Q shoe rack is always empty.

In my house everybody took their shoes off and then I got married and the rules changed.

You took your shoes off but only if you were coming for a meal.

The rest of the time it was a no-holds-barred free-for-all with every man, woman and child for himself.

Sometimes you would take your shoes off and then wished you hadn't when you looked at the state of the carpet.

"Hey what the hell are we doing taking our shoes off for this guy when his carpet is already full of rubbish!"

But what is one to do if the host insists you keep your shoes on because you are a guest and then when you've settled down you realise that this person is super clean and the beige carpet on his floor is brand new.

Hang your head in shame that's what!

Sometimes the host makes you take your shoes off but then leaves his own shoes on.

These strange but complex issues require answers but no-one is prepared to put their money where their mouth is and conduct some proper research.

Or what happens if someone comes to your house whose feet stink?

Are we permitted to ask him to keep his shoes on while everyone else is told to take them off?

I don't have the answer.

And what's the deal with the brothers who not only take their shoes off but also their socks? They'll want a shower next.

The popularity of laminate flooring has also confused many locals. What are we to do? Laminate flooring isn't going to get dirty.

That's why it's laminate flooring. So why should we be forced to take our shoes off?

Maybe the rule should be scrapped altogether.

That'll teach 'em.