I like to be barefoot. I started going barefoot in my freshman year of college, and I just generally find it to be more comfortable. Originally, I was trying to find a way to keep from generating the horrible odor I'd get at the end of the day when I took my shoes off.

It grew into a way for me to be rebellious, and see if I could 'get away with it.' I generally kept a pair of slippers on me just in case I was 'caught.' I'd put on my shoes, and everyone would be happy, then take them off again when I left the business.

Around my senior year in college, I got so tired of dealing with it, especially since my friends were generally embarrassed to be with me when someone said something, that I almost stopped doing it completely, and went back to the habit of putting on shoes to go out.

Something was wrong, though. If it had just been for rebellious reasons, I would've stopped at this point. I couldn't stand wearing shoes, though. It was almost a spiritual thing. Once I had seen how comfortable, how connected it was to be unshod, I just couldn't go back. I was at an impass.

Now, however, I've joined the Society for Barefoot Living (http://barefooters.org), and they've really done their homework. They wrote letters to both the Health Department and the DMV of each of the 50 (United) states, and found that it's not against any regulation to be barefoot while driving or shopping in any business, even restaurants.

It may seem strange, but I honestly think it's a worthwhile cause. I've seen at least a couple other people barefoot in public, and I think there are at least a few people that are 'closet cases.' I intend to make any city I live in a barefoot-friendly city.