The Kilt and Anxiety

[northernkilter]

yeh I feel for you mate. I am always slightly anxious before I go outside in my kilt, but I just say to myself sod it and do it!

[zjrog]

Since I haven't really visited the site that much the last few months, I was reading this thread and it struck a chord... Last week I finally wore my Sport Kilt "Comfy Kilt" in public. Sure, I wear it about the house all the time since I got it last fall. It was a simple item to wear after having my knee replaced in November. I've worn it while making drivethru stops and never really thought it odd. And even resting on the patio in the evenings that have been warm enough to enjoy. But I was invited to a friend's birthday party (he has a Utilikilt or two), and his wife asked me to wear mine. How can I turn down such an invitation? HA! Apparently, the hostess forgot to tell her husband and I was the only one... Oops. I knew some of the other guests but not all. And after the first couple minutes didn't think about it other than to make sure I didn't have a wardrobe malfunction while sitting... Since there were small children about, and to assuage my wife's concerns, I did wear some compression shorts under. As I noted for those that asked, I mentioned simply I was protected for their comfort, not mine... I will be ordering something fairly soon, as well as my adult daughter has started an XKilt for me. I doubt that will be ready anytime soon, but I'll keep after her.

[OC Richard]

My heart goes out to all of you with social anxiety disorders.

I'm blessed to have never suffered from these and I cannot know what it's like. I would think for some people, adding a kilt to the issue might make it even more difficult.

I've not owned jeans or suits for many years so it's khaki shorts for bumming around and kilts for nicer occasions. For whatever reason I've not yet got interested in the Casual Kilt thing. (Though one of these days I might just snap and go out and get one...)

For me too, as a piper, when I'm kilted it's usually because I'm playing somewhere. Though I do wear kilts to Highland Games whether or not I'm playing.

Oh, as to farewells, around here it's "see ya later" or "catch ya later" or simply "later" or "bye". Because of the Spanish influence here it's not uncommon for non-Hispanics to say "hasta luega", "hasta manana" or simply "hasta". I find myself often saying "ba allam" or "ba allam na" since I work with a number of Phillipinos.

[kiltedwolfman]

Years ago when I decided I was going to be full time kilted I took every pair of trousers I owned ( save but a pair of sweat pants for doing chores in ) and tossed them. I no longer had to worry about being worried about going about kilted as kilts were the only thing I had.
Having also been a soldier ( now retired ) and gone through everything from being shot, blown up and dealing with all types of odd and interesting characters I also realised that life is far far too short to worry about what I'm wearing. I dress the way I dress for me, so that I can look and feel great to me and for me. I have found as the years went by that this kind of attitude creates a noticeable air of confidence that has led to an equally high level of comfort. Not that I have a choice since I don't own pants LOL.
No if I get anxious when I'm out in public it has nothing to do with my mode of dress, but more that I'm quite sure everyone out there is out to get me! ;)

I'll go back in my hole now and pull the blankets over my head.

[zjrog]

As a Navy retiree, I share some of the sentiments about crowds, eye contact and odd activity. I wear shorts nearly year round and am fortunate enough to wear shorts to work (although, they only allow shorts between certain dates). Having been a shipboard sailor, I admit to little to no modesty left whatsoever. So I will prefer to wear a better kilt in public than the Comfy (though it is perfect for its designed purposes) Kilt.