Ok, I'm no longer a kilt virgin

[turpin]

Well, tonite was my first public kilted experience. It was a spur of the moment thing. I was wearing my SWK saffron at home, having a friend take pix so I can share them here. The wife comes home from a movie with the kids and announces that we are all going to IHOP for dinner as a treat for the kids on the last day of summer vacation. I said "Well, I guess you want me to change", and she replied " Why? Don't do it for me, I don't care." I'm thinking it was her form of "I dare you". Or maybe I'm being unkind here. It is, after all, the International House of Pancakes, so I figured no one would really remark a kilted patron in a restaurant devoted to promoting cultural diversity. Anyway, I threw my keys and wallet in the sporran and off we went. My 10 y/o son said " Oh no, Dad, you're NOT going in that are you?" My daughter said "You ARE wearing something under that aren't you?", but was otherwise tickled about it. (A minor digression here: the first time I am asked "The Question", and it's my daughter.) :rolleyes:

Overall, this was pretty much a non-event int terms of reaction from the patrons and staff. Although my antennae were working overtime, and I'm certain the civilians were aware I was kilted, I was not aware of any particular undercurrent of interest. To be fair, though, this was IHOP on a slow Sunday nite. Oh well, it's a start. Pix of the kilt w/b posted next on Kilt Advice forum because I am interested in critique of the way I wore it.

[pbpersson]

Excellent! It sounds like a good beginning!

The first time is the most difficult. Soon you will learn that for the most part people don't really care....and it's so comfortable!


Phil in Phoenix

[Southern Breeze]

Congrats on your first time out! As you'll no doubt find out it really is a non-event. Now you're ready for the mall.

[Tattoo Bradley]

The big one for me, (and I've read others state it) was Wal Mart. Ohhhhhh I HATE Wal Mart, but it IS a packed place. My radar was in overdrive there

Congrats on the first outting. I wish you many happy returns on future journeys.

[Rex_Tremende]

I said "Well, I guess you want me to change", and she replied " Why? Don't do it for me, I don't care." I'm thinking it was her form of "I dare you". Or maybe I'm being unkind here.

Taken at face value, your wife was wisely defusing a potential source of conflict. Sounds like you have a keeper there.

Congratulations on your first don't-need-a-reason-to-go-kilted outing. I remember my first time out was a little like the thrill of going over that first hump of a roller coaster. After that, it's pure fun.

Regards,
Rex in Cincinnati

[Riverkilt]

You're free now cousin!

Ron

[Blu (Ontario)]

.... this was pretty much a non-event int terms of reaction from the patrons and staff. Although my antennae were working overtime, and I'm certain the civilians were aware I was kilted...

I think there is a little bit of an adrenaline rush from it sometimes. Especially if it's a location you're uncertain about. Generally restaurants of any kind are fun. Grocery stores, Wal*Mart, clothing stores, parks, banks, gas stations, building supply stores, office supply stores, etc. ... no problems.

Confidence comes from being prepared for the occassional stupid remark but also from experience and the generally positive feedback. Experience allows you to put your antennae back to "standby".

Mostly just have fun with it.

.

[Blu (Ontario)]

The big one for me, (and I've read others state it) was Wal Mart. Ohhhhhh I HATE Wal Mart...

Wal*Mat?? I've been to many Wal*Marts in many cities. I think of all the times I've worn a kilt to a Wal*Mart, I've only ever had one snide comment - a guy with the "Where's you're bagpipes" question - quickly diffused with "same place as yours!" Adolescent girls tend to giggle... but that's just what they do.

Wal*Mart tends to attract a rather diverse group of people and, while the kilt might be out of the ordinary, it's nothing compared to some of the real strange folks that frequent their stores.

The venue I have not yet tried is the Comedy Club, but I've thought about it from time to time.

.

[chasem]

I've been to Wal Mart kilted a couple times as well. It's pretty much been non-eventful as well. The only happening was when I turned into one aisle, there were two 14-15-ish year old females coming out, who almost ran into me. I apologized and excused myself, they giggled and went around.

Now that I look back on it, I honestly don't know if the giggle was due to the kilt or from almost running into such a fine young man as myself :rolleyes: