A little rant

[katmills2005]

I do agree with what you said in your post. The kilt does not define you, nor does your heritage. These are only parts of a whole that is uniquely you.

Without knowing her, I couldn't say for sure but I'm inclined to agree with davedove. Sounds like she was feeling you out to show an interest. Girl's tend to be very on guard when they are trying to get a guy to ask them out. We are just as much afraid of rejection as men are.

My suggestion:

When you see her next, be polite, SMILE, and start up a neutral conversation. If she is genuine she will join in. If not move on and don't worry over her. But always be proud of who you are and that quality that separates you from everyone else.

[phantomws]

When I was a younger man I read a fantastic book that you might want to check out. It changed my outlook on life and ever since then I have been able to handle situations like the one you just related with a more delicate touch.
The name of the book is "Why do you care what other people think?" by Richard Feynman. Feyman was a phyicist that worked on the atomic bomb, and also figured out that the "o" ring in the booster tank is what caused the explosion of the Shuttle Challenger . Anyway he was a man of many interests who often was pigeon holed as an odd genius and always found interesting ways to challenge peoples perceptions of both himself and the world around them.
If you can, give it a read, it's very entertaining and may just challenge you as well.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Never explain and never complain. It will get you much farther down life's path than rants ever will. As Panache said, raising an eyebrow is better than raising the roof.

[macwilkin]

Courtesy is as much a mark of a gentleman as courage.

-- Theodore Roosevelt

I would agree with davedove, Panache and others -- best to keep a cool head and a civil tounge, especially when conversing with a lady.

T.

[Coinneach]

I'm sure it felt good....but was she worth the energy?

They that have power to hurt, and will do none,
That do not do the thing they most do show,
Who, moving others, are themselves as stone,
Unmoved, cold, and to temptation slow;
They rightly do inherit heaven's graces,
And husband nature's riches from expense;
They are the lords and owners of their faces,
Others, but stewards of their excellence.

[Tattoo Bradley]

Well Greg, here are my thoughts.

If you have indeed done a "180" since highschool, with the kilts/bagpipes/Ireland/Scotland/Gaelic (a few of the interests I know of you as you've posted about them here) then she was asking a genuine question. I suspect however, from your outrage, there may have been a lot said by her "tone." I think a lot people (those suggesting a date! ) have not considered that aspect. If she was condescending in her approach, then your anger is certainly justified. But, I also agree with some of the other fellows in that your "lecture" of self-identity, judging from your description of her reaction, probably did little good.

[Finn]

Greg~
I understand the frustration. I also understand that one can get tired eyebrows. By your own words, you've come a long way. MOST people do not have open minds and cannot grasp personal growth until it happens to them.
It is unfortunate that the young lady (?) unleashed your frustration and anger. Whatever your feelings now, it is not possible to change your actions. Move forward and continue to be strong. If you feel it appropriate, apologize and clear the air. Use this experience for further growth.
Kilt on!

[beloitpiper]

I understand what you guys are saying, and I'm standing by my actions. Mostly because I feel that regret is a wasted emotion, and also because it had to be said. She was condescending from the beginning and probably wouldn't have backed off until I (metaphorically) pushed her away.

She's not the kind of person I like to associate with.

[Arlen]

That really sucks. It's obvious it's been getting to you for a wee while.
Here's hoping you get another break in Ireland soon and when you come back you can spend more time with smart and cool people.

[Rogerson785]

Greg,

Ignorant people will laugh and point fingers , the intelligent ones will compliment us and give a big thumbs up , smile at them all and you will be surprised what will occasionally happen, because when one stranger calls it a skirt another total stranger may correct the other total stranger.

Smile and they may just leave you alone fearing you will unleash your war cry and claymore.