When it comes to kilts, I can always bet that there are a couple of people who have already been through what I'm experiencing. With that in mind,...

In August 2009, the nonprofit I work for held an art auction fund raiser. The fund raiser is business casual or "resort wear." I asked my supervisor (female, if that means anything) about wearing a kilt, along with a polo, Argyll, hose and dress shoes, to the event. I explained that I thought the art event would be the perfect venue -- art, creativity, expression, etc. She said no, because it would prove to be a distraction. Since I'm one of three people who plans and executes the event (300 people in attendance), I wouldn't have time to stop and explain the whys and whats to everyone. I thought that was a lame explanation, but I kept my mouth shut.

Around the end of the year, I submitted a proposal to wear my kilt to work twice a year: Tartan Day (April 6) and St. Andrew's Day (November 30). My supervisor and her supervisor both reviewed it and said okay, but it was made very clear that as soon as it became “a distraction” and kept me or anyone else from getting work done, I wouldn't be allowed to anymore.

I wore it on Tartan Day and even printed something for my door, explaining Tartan Day, the Declaration and also what a kilt and all the accessories were called and what they are for. I got nothing but compliments and positive comments.

I also got to wear it on a UN-recognized day that celebrates dialogue between different cultures and appreciation of diversity. Again, nothing but positive comments. I also went out of my way to act like it was just another day.

In the meantime, I've worn kilts pretty much religiously every weekend. My supervisor's seen me out several times on weekends – WalMart, Target, grocery store, mall, the whole thing.

Which brings us to last Thursday. On Friday, we were going to have an art exhibit at a local gallery in preparation for the art auction event in two weeks. It's mostly mingling and schmoozing. So, Thursday night, I e-mailed her, telling her I'd like to wear a kilt for comfort's sake. It is August in Kansas, after all.

My response was, “Jim [has a positive response ever started out with one's name like that?], we're really going to be hopping at the exhibit tomorrow. You should wear a polo shirt and slacks.”

At this point, I don't want to approach her and ask her point blank if she's being frank with me. My ample gut tells me that she would perceive it as confrontational, even though I wouldn't mean for it to be.

But is anyone else as skeptical as I am about taking her explanations at face value?