On another kilt list I have been monitoring, there are those who feel that a person brings this sort of thing upon themselves by the aura that they give off. That is, of course, complete BS!! We no more have control of the actions of others than we can order up the weather of our choosing. The only thing that we affect 100% is our own behavior.

Personally, I don't like to make wearing a kilt a confrontational event. I don't want to have to walk around with an attitude with the intention of warding off potential adversaries through some percieved intimidation on my part. I shouldn't have to be a gun slinger spoiling for a fight whenever I venture out.

Yesterday, I had the nicest experience in regard to striking up an in-depth conversation with a complete stranger. It was very positive. Conversely, a few days before, I had a bad experience with a very unpleasant woman that has been discussed on another thread. I surmise that neither conversation would have taken place were I not kilted, so in a way I was responsible for indirectly facilitating both exchanges; my kilt and friendly demeanor providing the "in". However, the direction either conversation took had everything to do with the other parties. One person choose to be civil, the other less than decent. I indulged the former and moved away from the latter, just as you did, G. In my case the woman did not follow while in your case the obnoxious fellow persued further interaction and actually became physical. I am glad that your friends were there to assist, or things could have gotten very dicey.

I can tell from the tone of your post that you will not change anything about your behavior. Good for you! We have to do what is true to ourselves, and most of the time our experiences will be positive. I agree that with less confident people this sort of thing could be off-putting. Hopefully newbies will have a few good stories under their belts before this sort of thing happens. There are lots of jerks out there, but lots of decent folk as well.

Thanks for sharing, and carry on!

Mychael