Rare Compliment

[GreenDragon]

Last night I attended the graduation party for a friend who recently finished his Ph.D. Many of the guests were, to my disappointment, in jeans, and most were business casual. I was expecting something a little nicer, so I gussied up in my best kilt, the Douglas Modern heavyweight, white shirt with green and blue knotted cufflinks, striped tie matching the colors the kilt, the three-dog knot belt, cream hose with green flashes, shiney black dress shoes, and Rob Roy sporran. It's the most dressed up that I've ever been in a kilt since I started wearing them, and, frankly, I thought I looked pretty good. It was a nice party, and I'm glad I took the time and attention to look my best.

Now, some background: I live in an area with a substantial African-American population, and my kilted encounters with people from this community often come with a certain heightened attention and, let's say, unequal amount of amusement. One place where we often interact is the UDF (United Dairy Farmers) gas station/convenience store that is on my way home, where I may stop for a dish of ice cream after a long night of dancing or partying. In one example, one evening a woman laughed herself silly for a good five minutes or so after seeing me.

So, when I got there last night, two young ladies - teens, I think - were waiting for their milkshakes at the counter. They looked me up and down, and one of the girls tilted her head up to me and asked, "Why you got that on?"

"Because I went to a party tonight and I wanted to look nice," I answered, matter-of-factly.

"Well," she said in the most polite tone, "you look very sharp."

That so totally made my day.

Regards,
Rex in Cincinnati

which UDF? at Boudinot and Queen City?

[andyfg]

Good story Rex. Thanks for sharing it. From the description, you must have looked sharp, compliments or not!

[ozmeath]

It's funny how the simple, small pleasures make our day. She showed understanding and respect where before you were presented with confusion and maybe ignorance. Golden.
E.

[davedove]

The most enthusiastic compliment I ever got was from and African-American "street person" who went on and on about how great it was that I was showing my cultural heritage. So enthusiastic, in fact, that it was hard to get away from him.:confused:

[jfellrath]

The most enthusiastic compliment I ever got was from and African-American "street person" who went on and on about how great it was that I was showing my cultural heritage. So enthusiastic, in fact, that it was hard to get away from him.:confused:

Actually, now that you mention it, one of the most exuberant compliments I've gotten was from an African-American girl who double-took at me in my Chocolate Brown UK Workman and shrieked, "Oh my god! I LOVE your kilt!"

[Rex_Tremende]

which UDF? at Boudinot and Queen City?

Nope. It was the one between Queen City and Westwood Ave at Quebec in North Fairmount. Nobody ever says a word at QC/Boudinot.

Regards,
Rex in Westwood.

[efer]

Great Story, Rex!

Those unexpected compliments seem to make one smile a lil bit more and stand a lil bit taller.

I think you should wear the outfit again, take some pics and show all of us how good you looked

[michael steinrok]

chicks dig kilts!

[Chefdave]

chicks dig MEN in kilts!

Fixed!

[GreenDragon]

Nope. It was the one between Queen City and Westwood Ave at Quebec in North Fairmount. Nobody ever says a word at QC/Boudinot.

Regards,
Rex in Westwood.

Cool. i live at the top of Quebec.

Good story, Rex.

i would have probably found some reason to laugh BACK at the lady though. but that's me.