I was handed shorts!

[Lallans]

Well... not knowing the bar in question, I reserve judgement on that part of the issue (there are some I know of where you wouldn't want to wear a Rangers jersey or a Yankees cap for instance), but he could have changed the meal venue if that was the sole reason for concern. So I fear his problem was with the kilt itself and that he was sending you a message, however consciously or unconsciously.

He may suffer from Kilt Derangement Syndrome, a rare but crippling mental disorder.

[Kornkob]

First of all, I think it is rude to tell a man to change out of his kilt before going to the bar for a friendly drink.

But I don't see the incompatibility of the acquaintance's opinion. He thinks the OP is brave for wearing it but the acquaintance is not brave enough to even be seen with someone bucking social norms.

Agreed.

Someone can admire another's attributes while knowing that they could never, or are not now prepared to, emulate or associate themselves with those attributes without being internally inconsistent.

Shedding this friend before trying to understand his motivation seems to indicate you didn't value his friendship very highly. A single point of disagreement, expressed only once, shouldn't have such destructive power.

[davidlpope]

Sorry David...not giving him that type of "out". Cannot say in one breath - it is admirable that you buck society, live life without worrying what others think and that you think it is great - and then - say I am going to embarass you.

I agree with you on this point. I think your "friend" was probably just telling you what he thought you wanted to hear, instead of what he really thought.

Who would be mean enough to ask a nun to be naked at a nudist club? I am willing to invite a nun to a nudist club and accept her in her habit if she just goes!

Perhaps another way to look at it would be:

Who would be foolish enough to invite a naked male nudist to a convent?

Seriously, though, while I see the analogy that you are wanting to draw, I think we're often too quick to draw inappropriate analogies to the kilt. It's not a Muslim woman's headscarf, it's not a monk's or nun's habit. It's an uncommon, albeit remarkable, piece of clothing, but clothing nonetheless. For most of us who didn't grow up wearing it, though, I understand how it can be viewed by others as a confusing and newfound affectation...

David

[cessna152towser]

Well done. No control freak who tries to dictate your style of dress is worthy of your friendship. Good riddance to your former friend.

[Bugbear]

I've had friends do things like ask me to wear a less yellow shirt and so on... Those are the wrong shoes, the wrong hair cut, etc...

I don't like people anymore and I've become a long haired, desert hermit; not yet grizzled yet, though.

I also haven't dated, etc, for about fifteen years, so you'll have to get advice from MacLowlife.

Leave me alone and stop clanking the lock on my gate! :Mad:

[dutchy kilted]

I think the shorts would have looked wonderful as a hat.

[Woodsman]

Now it's a pitty you didn't have a spare kilt at the time and announce to your "friend", ...."But, I was going to ask YOU to slip on this kilt so you would'nt have to be embarrassed to be with me."

[Bigkahuna]

If you wanted to be agreeable you could have put the shorts on.............under your kilt!

[Schiehallion]

Your "Friend" must feel and be very insecure amoungst his "Friends" in the Bar !

[PEEDYC]

Remind your friend "Real men wear kilts".

I have worn my kilt on many an occasion in England of all places (The Old Enemy) and never had a critical comment. My true friends do comment that I may spend a lot of my time being held upside down .... just to check if you see what I mean.