A Dissapointing conversation

[Hamish]

Point her to the threads in the pics forum where guys from the board show "casual", "dressy" and "formal" pictures.

It can't hurt.

I already mentioned this area in my post above yours Alan! I quote:

..................................Show her the many photos in the top three 'stickies' in the "Show us your pics" part of this forum. There she will see examples of just how many great ways our kilts can be worn. There are over a hundred further photos in my own photo album, linked below.[/b][/i]


However, I think you worded it more effectively!!

[Canadian_Kilt]

I've basically started collecting various websites and sources of information on kilts and their appropriate wear, as well as a large collection of pics of both famous and not-so-famous people in all manner of kilted attire. After having a discussion about it with her I'm going to ask her to look through all of it with me.

In reality, some of the information points to her being correct. Not many people wear kilts, and most of them that do wear them for formal or celtic events. However the evidence is clear that casual kilt wearing, especially in North America is growing rapidly. Kilmen.com has a lot of really great stuff as well. Above all, the pictures tell the story. Pictures of a dozens of celebrities wearing kilts in both formal and casual fashion. That will say alot to her.

Eventually, I plan to wear it out and ask her to just come with me for a couple hours and see what people's reactions are. When she sees that they are positive (or that most people really could care less), hopefully she will feel better about it.

[Scott Gilmore]

...In reality, some of the information points to her being correct. Not many people wear kilts, and most of them that do wear them for formal or celtic events. ...

Yes, she is basically right, but not in questioning your mental health. My wife feels similarly (about kilt wearing - she questions my mental health for other reasons ... arguably good reasons).

Having said that, I've noticed over the months I've posted and mostly lurked here that we kilt wearers are pretty varied lot. There are posters here from every hemisphere, various sexual preferences, most races, numerous religions and non-religious, but we do, in my opinion have one fundamental personality trait in common.

We are flamboyant.

In a good way, mostly, but more so than the average Gumby out there. When compared to our peers, I see this single personality trait - this commonality - as what leads us to be more amenable to kilting than others. Just my opinion, of course.

Flamboyance can be a little hard to accept or adjust to, so give family and friends some latitude if they don't jump on board right off. If you do it right - if you temper the flamboyance (all things in moderation), they'll come around.

I agree wholeheartedly with Panache's advice about keeping your priorities straight. Take that approach and all will be well.
.

[Dreadbelly]

I am most thankful that my wife supports what I do.

Remember to love, be gentle, and do not run out of patience.

My wife tends to slide to the other end of the scale. She is extremely supportive... So much so to the point that she is downright catty in situations where others are not so nice to me. She takes real issue and there has been times where I have had to extract us from social situations where she goes completely off because somebody made a snide kilt comment.

Her family does not seem to appreciate my kilt wearing, which is really very sad because they have very deep Scottish roots.

Some people, wives included, you may never change.

[elitekiltedcommando]

We are flamboyant.
.

I've been here a lot less time, and have noticed this as well. It is a good thing though. A group of people with a few common traits tend to get along better than a smaller group where everyone is exactly alike. (This is absed solely off of personal experience with friends.) And there's surely nothing wrong with being flamboyant. It sure sets me apart from others, and that's one of the reasons my girlfriiend cares about me so much. But anyways, for more help, CK, you could wear it a few times casually to help her get used to the idea. (It worked for me.) I'm not quite sure, but I think some already siggested this, though.

[gilmore]

I've noticed over the months I've posted and mostly lurked here that we kilt wearers are pretty varied lot. There are posters here from every hemisphere, various sexual preferences, most races, numerous religions and non-religious, but we do, in my opinion have one fundamental personality trait in common.

We are flamboyant.

In a good way, mostly, but more so than the average Gumby out there. When compared to our peers, I see this single personality trait - this commonality - as what leads us to be more amenable to kilting than others. Just my opinion, of course.

.

Not me. I am happy to fade into the background, and feel most comfortable when invisible.

[Scott Gilmore]

Not me. I am happy to fade into the background, and feel most comfortable when invisible.

Oh, horse poo.

:)

Flamboyant: marked by or given to strikingly elaborate or colorful display or behavior

Have you ever worn a kilt in public?

Heck, even if the answer is no, you're one of the standouts here, and I'm not just saying that because of the name. You're right in it, and I mean that in the best sense.

Bear in mind, flamboyant people are generally sharper than the people around them. Think of your favorite author, the most admired General, the greatest politician, Nobel winners, etc. Wilde, you say? Does the name Patton come to mind right off? Ghandi was a reasonably adept politician that certain had some admirable qualities. I think Muhammad Yunus' (certainly eminently deserving of the recognition) flamboyance is a characteristic that enabled him not only to accomplish what he has for others, but also to be recognized for what he's done, thus increasing the efficacy of his ideas.

There are very few wallflowers posting to this forum.

[NewKilt]

There is very little I can add. You have been given some great advice by the membership. I've worn kilts full-time since August of 2005. I wear traditional wools as well as Utilikilts. My wife was apprehensive at first, but after being with me in public she came to realize that it was really a non-issue, and if anyone said anything at all is was complimentary.

For some wives, it just takes time to get things worked out. I think in time she will come to realize that the kilt is not a costume but a clothing option that can be worn as formally or as casually as you wish.

Darrell

[Mr. Kilt]

I've basically started collecting various websites and sources of information on kilts and their appropriate wear, as well as a large collection of pics of both famous and not-so-famous people in all manner of kilted attire. After having a discussion about it with her I'm going to ask her to look through all of it with me.

In reality, some of the information points to her being correct. Not many people wear kilts, and most of them that do wear them for formal or celtic events. However the evidence is clear that casual kilt wearing, especially in North America is growing rapidly. Kilmen.com has a lot of really great stuff as well. Above all, the pictures tell the story. Pictures of a dozens of celebrities wearing kilts in both formal and casual fashion. That will say alot to her.

Have you found my personal web site yet? There's a link to my homepage in my sig line. Not quite as many photos as Hamish or Riverkilt's sites, but it will give her an idea of what another local guy is doing.

Eventually, I plan to wear it out and ask her to just come with me for a couple hours and see what people's reactions are. When she sees that they are positive (or that most people really could care less), hopefully she will feel better about it.

This worked wonders for my wife. Once she realized that very few people noticed, and those who did made favorable comments, she was more at ease with my kilt wearing. Now she expects me to wear them!

[Frog]

My wife and I seem to be in the middle of the spectrum - she has no problem with my wearing casual. solid kilts, but is resistant to the idea of my getting a tartan - 'specially since I now know it doesn't have to be wool, which I'm allergic to -or wearing a sporran. I coulda used one (or five) today with the 30 mph winds we had (I ended up wearing sweats).

Frog