Sunday Comments

[Blu (Ontario)]

It sounds like you're handling the kilt thing pretty well. Through it all, just remember, the most important opinion of all is yours.

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[McClef]

I wasn't discourteous nor would I be. These folks are my friends. I'm just searching for the right thing to say that doesn't sound contrived. I think I found it.

I wasn't aware that the people referred to were friends who can indeed say things time and again. I have a friend who goes on and on about my "dress" etc and gets me growling at it! He doesn't seem to realise when the joke gets stale.

But I guess I never tire of compliments from either friends, or more importantly, strangers and they often ask intelligent questions rather than "the usual one"

[walkerk]

Jim, you old shellback! Sounds like you've got the situation well worked out. Sure, there are some who speak without thinking (and are embarrassed later.) If you haven't already seen it, visit the fun page MotorMan4Life has put up:

http://www.kiltday.com/thequestion.htm

You post has, however, caused me to stop for a little self introspection. Fortunately, Google is a wondrous thing:

http://www.google.com/search?as_q=ho...s=&safe=active

Kent

[Andrew Green]

The only part that truly irritates me when people say anything:
the fact that by even bothering to ask you something like "what's the occasion" or "what's with the get up" is that by such actions, they are saying that you owe them an explanation for your behaviour, when you in actuality, you owe them nothing.

Then on the same hand, many good conversations about kilts, history, heritage and all the nice stuff often start with someone asking about your attire. So it's a odd flip of the coin. It's hard to tell when someone is asking because they think you owe them an explanation, and those who are asking out of common ground.

How to differentiate?

[McClef]

The idea of a kilt being for "special occasions only" is alas deeply ingrained in the minds of many people.

I was recently asked in a store if I was going to a wedding, even though I was only semi-formally attired. OK this was Wales so they could be forgiven for that assumption but I did inform her that kilts could indeed be for everyday wear also.

It doesn't help when the motherland of the kilt creates that impression either and you can walk the streets of Edinburgh and see n'ere a one on a weekday being worn as an everyday item.

So for those of us who don't need a special occasion, we are going against the grain of the popular mindset that limits them to weddings, church, formal dinners and dances, highland games and of course rugby internationals.

[The Supreme Canuck]

The only part that truly irritates me when people say anything:
the fact that by even bothering to ask you something like "what's the occasion" or "what's with the get up" is that by such actions, they are saying that you owe them an explanation for your behaviour, when you in actuality, you owe them nothing.

I'm still unkilted, but I have had a similar experience. I was wering my Queen's jacket and Queen's tam one day, and went to meet a group of friends. Most of them thought they were great. They even tried on the hat. One "friend" showed up about 30 minutes late. He looked at me, and said (with a sarcastic smirk), "What's with the costume?"

He knew full well that it was not a costume. He was being a prat.

I just ignored him.

[Robin]

The idea of a kilt being for "special occasions only" is alas deeply ingrained in the minds of many people.

I agree with them....only wear a kilt for a special occasion!!!!

Each day is a special occasion when you wear a kilt

[Alan H]

I have on "friend" who simply can NOTquit the "skirt"joke. It's been over a year,I see him every few weeks and he just will not lay off of it. His wife has given him "the look" and even apologised, but Ben simply can't drop it. I"ve been a good sport so far, but I have to admit that my patience is getting thin.

But he's the only one who hasn't just figured it out, and let it go or even enjoyed the kilt-wearing. I figure it's HIS problem.

Sounds like you're getting along just fine! Carry on!