Hate to disappoint you. but despite the occasional English-Scots thing for the last few hundred years, I have had nothing but positive comments English women. I've just got back from a change-ringing training weekend and decided to go kilted for the 21st Anniversary BBQ. No-one mentioned the kilt on the evening, but the following day I had loads of people I had never ever spoken to come up and say that they thought the kilt looked really smart and they were glad I had decided to wear it. I've now orn my kilts often enough to not have to think of them as 'special' and I think the attitude has a lot to do with it. If you can behave normally, and you have nothing to 'prove', then comments are neutral or, thankfully positive. I think the idea of trying to wear it where your wife can see that others actually admire it is the best option! Good Luck with breaking through the zone.
Phil