Bless me father, for I have sinned.

[Streetcar]

I just got back from visiting my folks in Arizona. My dad was celebrating his 75th.
I was only going to be there for 3 days, but I spent about a week agonizing over whether or not I was going to take my kilt.

My folks have never seen me wear the kilt in person, but they've seen a few photos. The first time my dad stared at the picture for about 5 minutes, and finally asked, "What the hell are you wearing there?" I explained about kilts, and he just kind of looked at me.

A month ago, my folks were visiting, and they came across some other photos - some of which had me kilted. My mom, who would never say anything negative about anyone, smiled at some of the photos in question. She asked a few questions, but no comments positive or negative.

So since it was such a short trip, I decided to leave the kilt at home.

When I got there it was beastly hot. I mentioned that "I should have brought the kilt!"
My mom said, "I'm so glad you didn't. I would have to tell the neighbors that you didn't come to Arizona..."

Disappointing, yes. But in the end, I suppose it was better not to cause my folks the mental strife.

Still, I feel odd that I didn't go kilted purely because of someone elses opinion.

Thus ends the confession for the day.

[Panache]

You went to visit your parents and celebrate your father's 75 birthday. You were considerate enough to think of your parents feelings, and so spent your time as a family together. I like kilts a lot but I think you made a good choice.
After all a kilt is just another piece of clothing, your Mom and Dad are something special.


(However, now that you are home go put on some tartan!)

Cheers

[Prester John]

Cheer up. You thought of them before yourself. No confession necessary.

[Scottish Chi]

It shows the true character of a man when he considers the needs of others above himself. When it comes to family (especially parents) nothing else is more important.

Cheers! Bill

[Caradoc]

It shows the true character of a man when he considers the needs of others above himself. When it comes to family (especially parents) nothing else is more important.

I don't necessarily agree.

How should one feel when their parents denigrate good people simply because they're black, Chinese, Vietnamese, Mexican, or anything but white?

And how is being bigoted against someone in a kilt any different than being bigoted or prejudicial against anyone based on the color of their skin? Or sexual preferences? Or even their social policies? Religion?

I've noted that a number of people who're the most vocal about how men shouldn't wear skirts are often intolerant on a variety of other topics.

Just because they're family doesn't mean they aren't bigots.

[Tiran]

Just because they're family doesn't mean they aren't bigots.

But just because they arent comfortable with something new and outside their standard frames of reference doesn't mean they are bigots. Especially older generations (as a generalization, no reference to most on this board). And just because people are tolerant about kilts doen't mean they aren't bigots.

I would say there is not enough information to make that kind of call.

[Frank McGrath]

Just put on your kilt, pour a good cold smithwick's and say 10 hail Robbie's.

You are now forgiven. You are lucky you can still have your parents around you.

Frank

[NewKilt]

I applaud your decision. Those 3 days were about your parents and your father's 75th birthday. Even though I wear a kilt full-time I would have done the same, given your parents feelings towards the kilt.

My father-in-law who is 79, and ill health will probably not last much longer. This will mean a trip to Ohio for a funeral. I will not wear a kilt to the funeral or any of the activities related to it, because I do not want to become the focus of attention when people are grieving. We will also most likely visit my mother and sisters on this trip, and I will then wear my kilts.

Darrell

[Alan H]

I sometimes odn't wear a kilt at events which of truly focused on other people if I have an inkling that my kilt-wearing would detract from their enjoyment of the event. For example, I don't wear a kilt, usually when Joan and I go to a dance concert. Those are for her....dance is her thing, not mine and she has just a little bit more fun not having to deal with me being kilted. I got because one of the things that married people do is support their partners interests. Joan goes to some Highland Games and Jazz gigs every year...I go to some dance concerts. I wouldn't wear a kilt to her birthday party, either.

It's just a piece of clothing, so I applaud your approach.

[Frank McGrath]

Well Here is a question for the kilted. I have been invited to my a wedding reception for my son and his new bride. It is on the day of a highland festival closer to his home than mine. I will be kilted at the festival, but should I go to the reception Kilted? It will be out doors and I will be going back to the Highland games after the reception. The biggest problem will be that my son's mother will be there with her redneck tickturd husband. Do I change for the reception, or go as is. I have two weeks to decide. Oh by the way, the Highland Games will be in Urbana Maryland, just south of Frederick, in County Frederick, Maryland.

Frank

between a rock and an idiot