A recurring theme on the various kilt pages

[davidlpope]

One has to navigate between crushing a well-intentioned novice's spirit and telling someone who looks like a dog's breakfast "you wear it well."

I find that the best thing to do is try and encourage new kilt-wearers to look at lots of photos of men who are used to wearing the kilt in the Highlands.

[Steve Ashton]

I think I know the exact site you are talking about and have seen the same photos and reactions.

[Michael A]

I think I know the exact site you are talking about and have seen the same photos and reactions.

I defended the man in question (although I did poke fun at the unpressed kilt but that was taken as it was intended, as a light-hearted taking of the Mickey). There was one critic who I thought went too far and was just rude in his criticism, but the fawning "you look great" comments were just as ridiculous.

[Tarheel]

Guilty of, "this or that looks great" when I find a unit of an outfit that appeals to me (mustard hose as an example, of which I will never own but work with some ensembles). I find that I need to learn how to tell one what might be improved upon. I do find that over time the learning curve multiplies with the thick skinned that are willing to understand the criticism is for the benefit of the one posting.

This is a good topic and I hope all newcomers gain insight about this forum.

[thecompaqguy]

I think people don't mince their words (when I had a pinstripe Kilt Suit some didn't hold back from expressing what they thought) but I think sometimes we impose too much rules at times

[Jock Scot]

If you don't want answers, then don't ask a question. As far as I am concerned, if a question is asked then the door is wide open for answers and I might or might not be inclined so to do. I try to restrict my comments to fairly specific parts of the website, but I have been known to stray on occasion.

There are no rules as such with kilt attire, although there are conventions, accepted practice, aesthetics, discretion, common sense and let us not forget, other people ----particularly on the perhaps, more traditional formal occasions----- to consider sensitively.

I often try to give reasons for saying what I say, as I do think that might lower the temperature of the reply. However in the end, it is entirely down to the individual what they do with the advice that any of us offer.

[GrainReaper]

My father was always a brutally honest man, he would often tell someone that "true words are not always pretty words" after giving his asked for opinion on something. I learned a lot from my old man, never give advice unless asked was one thing I learned, and the other side of that coin is to always be honest when giving ones opinion.

[Stoff]

My wonderful wife once asked ma my opinion on what something she had drawn. (Please know that my wife had recently lost her vision to a brain tumor.) I asked her if she REALLY wanted my honest opinion and she replied in the affirmative. So, I told her, "I looks like a group of sea anemone playing in the street in a court (circle end of street). She laughed so hard I thought I was going to have to pick her off the floor. We still laugh over this sometimes.

Sometimes being honest is perfectly fine, sometimes not so much. This is why when I think that I might hurt someone's feelings I ask, "Do you REALLY want my honest opinion?".

My two cents worth.

Christoph

[Liam]

Now when a wife or girl friend asks you if a dress or outfit makes her look fat, tread very carefully. Complete honesty may not be the best policy.

[Father Bill]

Honey, it doesn't display how beautifully formed you are quite as well as some other things you have in the closet.

Then run and cross your fingers.