Hi Don,
hmm, sounds like you have a bit of an uphill struggle there but don't give up, time is a great healer. My Better Half was a bit sceptical when I started going to conferences in my kilt but, maybe, out of sight, out of mind. And the first time we went out together with me kilted, was a bit "stiff". It was to an Antiques show in the UK but a couple of positive comments from stallholders helped lighten the atmosphere.

Then there was an incident that brought home the "stand out" advantage. When we were selling out house in the UK, prior to coming here, there was an urgent call from our property lawyer that needed an answer that day - a day I happened to be at another technical conference. My BH phoned the venue and got through to the conference reception and explained the problem. They said they would try to find me but it would be hard among 300 delegates. That was until BH said I was wearing my kilt. The receptionist found me within 10 minutes and the lawyer issue was solved in time.

Since we moved down here, she's warmed to it a lot more. She sees the practical value of being able to wear it whatever the weather, cool in summer, warm when it gets chilly and the church she attends has a lot of Islanders in the congregation and most of the guys wear sarongs to church.

I think she was initially concerned at the reaction of other people but having seen that the vast majority take no notice and the ones that do have always been positive, she's relaxed about it. She still sometimes refers to it as "Sav's skirt" but now, that's just a tease we both laugh about!

So my advice is take it slowly, don't, whatever you do, make an issue out of it - any insecurity on your part will be seized upon in a heartbeat. Try a casual approach first, maybe a home BBQ, perhaps a trip to the coast or somewhere else you aren't likely to run across anyone you know.

Good luck!