Quote Originally Posted by hector View Post
I’m in kilt today. I follow the excellent advice to put on the kilt on Fridays. However, is it because of the gray weather or am I a bit down today, but right now I feel also some disappointment as well as frustration. Me, having no attachment to Scottish ancestors and living in an area where a man is supposed to wear trousers, I am THE exception (and not even part of a minority). As I live in a very small rural community this makes me very vulnerable for all possible gossip and critics. Some weeks ago I went for a walk not too far from my place. Unexpected a neighbor saw me. He rushed to his car, in panic I guess. I could see in his eyes he classified me as a mad man. Nothing to worry if not this man will now spread the ‘news’ that I’m not normal because I run around in ‘skirt’. I can imagine your advice would be that I shouldn’t care and, believe me; I do try to ignore it. The test will come next Sunday as the neighborhood comes together for a new years’ drink.
Because of the negative attitude I shall not wear my kilt when neighbors or family are around and I sincerely hope they will never know my preferences in this respect. Is this lack of courage or hypocrisy? Probably yes, but believe me, I have more to lose than to win and therefore it’s better to keep things separate. This of course does not make life easier for me. But I find compensation in the fact that within reasonable distance I can safely enjoy my kilt in walking alongside the sea or making a promenade next to a nice canal.
My ‘sad story’, I hope, is not spoiling the pleasant ‘Friday atmosphere’ on the forum. Please continue to enjoy the pleasure of wearing the kilt and I shall join you as much as I can.
Cheers,

Hector
I am truely sorry to hear of your experience. I hope you have a friend or family member you can discuss this with and find out if this would be a widely held attitude in your community. I also have no known connection to Scottish heritage but I do have a fellow kilt wearer here. When I wear my kilts I am the only person kilted unless my friend is there and has kilted up as well. My friends, family and coworkers have asked questions as to why and how I started and have accepted this as a new part of my life. I have only seen others kilted at Highland events. I do kilt up 2-3 time a week in public and more at home. Fridays at work has become a regular thing, I get questioned as to what is wrong if I am not kilted. I hope you encounter more positive reactions in the furture.