Two weeks, five wearings... my first exposure to the kilt

**robbiethepiper** · 22nd April 11, 04:52 AM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

So . . . advice from our "Professional Scots" - what's the eye contact rule in Scotland?

Same as the rest of the UK. Its generally accepted that making deliberate eye contact means you want to have sex with someone, sell them something or ask a financial favour.....

**Spartan Tartan** · 22nd April 11, 05:01 AM

Originally Posted by robbiethepiper

Same as the rest of the UK. Its generally accepted that making deliberate eye contact means you want to have sex with someone, sell them something or ask a financial favour.....

Really?! Wow.

**Jock Scot** · 22nd April 11, 05:43 AM

Originally Posted by robbiethepiper

Same as the rest of the UK. Its generally accepted that making deliberate eye contact means you want to have sex with someone, sell them something or ask a financial favour.....

------or, you are about to get a black eye, or worse!

I come from a fairly rural back ground, although towns a cities have ventured into my life from time to time, and I am sure it was not as it is now, some 70,60,50, 40 even 30 years ago. Certain places in the major cities of the UK had grim reputations, but usually a nod, a raise of the hat, a touch on the brim even, or a smile from passing strangers was commonplace then. It still is in the Highlands amongst the older locals.

**robbiethepiper** · 22nd April 11, 01:42 PM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

------or, you are about to get a black eye, or worse!

I come from a fairly rural back ground, although towns a cities have ventured into my life from time to time, and I am sure it was not as it is now, some 70,60,50, 40 even 30 years ago. Certain places in the major cities of the UK had grim reputations, but usually a nod, a raise of the hat, a touch on the brim even, or a smile from passing strangers was commonplace then. It still is in the Highlands amongst the older locals.

Good distinction. I think small places are more human than big cities in most countries......

**English Bloke** · 22nd April 11, 06:57 AM

Originally Posted by robbiethepiper

Same as the rest of the UK. Its generally accepted that making deliberate eye contact means you want to have sex with someone, sell them something or ask a financial favour.....

Robbie gives good explanations but in addition to those, eye contact in UK is generally construed as challenging. I have often encountered this. When deep in solitary thought I have the bad habit of gazing off into the middle distance. I have often been snapped back from my reverie by an aggressive "Oiy! What you eff-in' lookin' at?". Easy fixed on most occasions with a smile and a "Sorry Mate, miles away" but not always though. If you wan't to look people in the eye in Britain, you have to be prepared to back it up... or do as most people do; don't.

Glad you're enjoying your Kilting in Kentucky, Coastie. Good on yer!

**Spartan Tartan** · 22nd April 11, 07:31 AM

Originally Posted by English Bloke

Robbie gives good explanations but in addition to those, eye contact in UK is generally construed as challenging. I have often encountered this. When deep in solitary thought I have the bad habit of gazing off into the middle distance. I have often been snapped back from my reverie by an aggressive "Oiy! What you eff-in' lookin' at?". Easy fixed on most occasions with a smile and a "Sorry Mate, miles away" but not always though. If you wan't to look people in the eye in Britain, you have to be prepared to back it up... or do as most people do; don't.

Glad you're enjoying your Kilting in Kentucky, Coastie. Good on yer!

Back it up??? Can I back it up with, "Hello, I'm from the other side of the big pond and where I'm from it's a pleasantry to greet eachother whilst walking down the street. Sorry, if our cultural differences created a misunderstanding."

(perhaps this would preceed the black-eye that I'd be taking pictures of) Just kidding...When I get lost in thought, my head tends to drop and stare at the ground anyway.

Good discussion, I enjoy hearing about these differences.

**Zardoz** · 22nd April 11, 09:22 AM

You know... I forgot to mention this when I was talking before about my mother in-laws experiences in the UK, but I don't feel like folks in the Republic of Ireland think that way. My wife and I were both raised in the typical Texas 'look 'em in eye, firm handshake, loud howdy' ethic, and we never had any issues with that in Ireland.