Experiences Whilst Out

**beverlonian** · 9th July 04, 01:36 AM

Was out to a nearby cycle store yesterday and in general conversation with the proprietor he mentioned he owned an apartment in the Canaries. This he let out on occasion, but only to select people and as I appeared to pass his criteria, I was offered the opportunity. This whilst I was wearing a plain navy-blue kilt which must be unusual since I have never seen anyone else in a kilt in my area.

Also just completed a full 48 hours without t******s, although still a little nervy about wearing a kilt in very public places. I did steel myself to go into B&Q (large DIY store for our overseas friends) - noted a few sidelong glances (mainly from staff) but otherwise ok.

**Graham** · 9th July 04, 02:09 AM

I well know the feeling of 48 hours in a kilt, it's SO great, I can also relate to your nervousness going out in a kilt.

There are still some places that make me breath in and say to myself "here goes!!"

I can promise you that it gets better and better as your confidence grows.

If you want to fast-track that self-confidence, here are some tips:

1. Come here often and talk about your experiences, read of others'.

2. Listen to lots of Scottish music, especially in the car driving kilted on an outing.

3. Tell yourself you are heavens' gift to women and mankind in general in a kilt, and that other men are just envious that they don't have the courage to wear one.

4. Try to make your whole appearance "fit" together for whatever occasion, whether it's shopping or a celtic event. I refer to overall smartness, colour combinations and accessories.

5. Reward yourself after a successful outing with a wee dram or a pint of your favourite brew.

**Freelander Sporrano** · 9th July 04, 07:00 AM

I agree with Graham. I would like to add to the comments. I wore my kilt on holiday where no one knew me, except thoose I was togther with.
Got lots of looks .That was that.

Teenagers can still be a worry though. Mostly I get no reaction at all.

BTW A belated welcome to the forum, from Norway (The kilt wilderness

)

**GMan** · 9th July 04, 08:05 AM

It is kind of neat to go to places where they do not know you, it usually is a fun experience being unknown.

I notice that sometimes when I go to places that I am well known I get good natured kidding, although they do support me in my kilting.

Teenagers usually just say things that are rude, when they find out that I am expressing my individuality they leave me alone. They are only expressing what they wish they could do, no real harm or threat. I admire the ones who post here, it tells me that teens are just as OK as we all are, or as distorted

**Raphael** · 9th July 04, 09:26 AM

I walked by a couple of teenage skateboarders last Saturday Night and One of them said to me,'Cool Kilt, Dude!'

I guess not all Teenagers are not created equal.

**beverlonian** · 9th July 04, 10:29 AM

Originally Posted by Graham

I well know the feeling of 48 hours in a kilt, it's SO great, I can also relate to your nervousness going out in a kilt.

There are still some places that make me breath in and say to myself "here goes!!"

I can promise you that it gets better and better as your confidence grows.

If you want to fast-track that self-confidence, here are some tips:

1. Come here often and talk about your experiences, read of others'.

2. Listen to lots of Scottish music, especially in the car driving kilted on an outing.

3. Tell yourself you are heavens' gift to women and mankind in general in a kilt, and that other men are just envious that they don't have the courage to wear one.

4. Try to make your whole appearance "fit" together for whatever occasion, whether it's shopping or a celtic event. I refer to overall smartness, colour combinations and accessories.

5. Reward yourself after a successful outing with a wee dram or a pint of your favourite brew.

Thanks Graham.

1. I visit quite often and enjoy the forum immensely although I don't post as often as I should. Yourself, Hamish, Bubba, Al and everyone have become good friends.
2. I work offshore on an oil-rig in the North Sea so have many Scottish colleagues, one of whom is a member of Brechin Pipe Band. Last trip I was coerced into buying a CD of their music - a bit like Greek music, good in small doses.
3. I wish! (don't tell the wife)
4. I've noticed that since wearing kilts I have become very conscious of what goes with what.
5. Now we're talking, a pint of Tetley's Bitter followed by a shot of Highland Park or Bowmore. If they don't give me courage, nothing will.

**bear** · 9th July 04, 11:47 AM

Originally Posted by Graham

I well know the feeling of 48 hours in a kilt, it's SO great, I can also relate to your nervousness going out in a kilt.

There are still some places that make me breath in and say to myself "here goes!!"

I can promise you that it gets better and better as your confidence grows.

If you want to fast-track that self-confidence, here are some tips:

1. Come here often and talk about your experiences, read of others'.

2. Listen to lots of Scottish music, especially in the car driving kilted on an outing.

3. Tell yourself you are heavens' gift to women and mankind in general in a kilt, and that other men are just envious that they don't have the courage to wear one.

4. Try to make your whole appearance "fit" together for whatever occasion, whether it's shopping or a celtic event. I refer to overall smartness, colour combinations and accessories.

5. Reward yourself after a successful outing with a wee dram or a pint of your favourite brew.

1 - Doing that right now.

2 - I prefer Irish music but I do that, too.

3 - What do you mean, "tell myself?"

4 - I've always dressed down my kilts to fit a sweatshirt or tee shirt. Lately I find I prefer to put on a nicer shirt. In winter I like sweaters.

5 - My only outing is usually Kilts Night. Rewarding myself with a wee dram or a pint of my favourite brew is like trying to put the 25th beer bottle in the 24 case.

**Graham** · 10th July 04, 08:34 AM

I prefer Irish music but I do that, too.

Bear, while this is a music post, I must say that my passion has been always Irish music and still is. lately tho, I;ve been appreciating Scottish stuff more.
Let me rephrase that with "celtic" music!

**Blu (Ontario)** · 11th July 04, 05:23 AM

Originally Posted by bcmtnbka

... I guess not all Teenagers are not created equal.

Very true!

Recently, I strapped on a kilt and took an evening walk through the neighborhood with my wife. We passed couple of young guys... (late teens-early twenties)... standing in a driveway. They were wearing those popular greatly oversized baggy nylon shorts. From the side they look like granny's sk**t. One of them looks at me with a grimace and shakes his head. Funny thing was, I was doing the same at him!
The reaction from another younger teenager was, "coool"!

Teenager reactions here are all over the map. Some kids are savvy... some are not. I think if they are in a group, they don't dare express their true feelings, but look to the group leader for direction.

**Blu (Ontario)** · 11th July 04, 05:51 AM

Originally Posted by Graham

... If you want to fast-track that self-confidence, here are some tips:

1. Come here often and talk about your experiences, read of others'.

2. Listen to lots of Scottish music, especially in the car driving kilted on an outing.

3. Tell yourself you are heavens' gift to women and mankind in general in a kilt, and that other men are just envious that they don't have the courage to wear one.

4. Try to make your whole appearance "fit" together for whatever occasion, whether it's shopping or a celtic event. I refer to overall smartness, colour combinations and accessories.

5. Reward yourself after a successful outing with a wee dram or a pint of your favourite brew.

All good advice. Adjunct to that...

6. Do it often.
7. Do it with pride.
8. Quit thinking about the kilt.
9. Make eye contact and smile.
10. Same as #5.