Family problems stemming from the kilt

[ian]

I'd be more inclined not to overdo the "All things Scottish" theme. Sure they may be underlying issues, but not to the exclusion of your mother's heritage. Celebrate hers also. Don't throw your kilts away (I wear a 36W, 22L BTW, just in case).

If it becomes an obsession I'm sure it would bother anyone if harped upon all the time. Kilts are going to be more acceptable than a toga, but what if you had a Italian friend that wore one everyday and constantly spoke about Roman culture all the time and hammered it into every conversation?

Consider dear Mom. Maybe she feels like an outsider now rather than a wife and mother.

[MacHenderson]

I've cooled down a lot since I first got into it. I'm pretty much just a "casual scot" nowadays; I've developed other interests and picked up older ones that I forgot during my obsession, so yeah, it's not me overwhelming her.
I do understand how my dad's obsession, especially seeing as how it's very recent and was never a part of their life beforehand, could be very overwhelming to my mom. I casually encourage her to get involved too, without pushing. I think what really turns her off is that in his enthusiasm, my dad forgets that my mom used to be wild and crazy about heritage study and period-themed fairs before they were even together. So yeah, as some of you said, I know she probably feels left out.
David, the "honeymoon" phase actually hits the nail right on the head. I'm sure he'll calm down after a little while, but at this point in time, it's stressful seeing them argue so much, especially considering I still live at home and can get cought in the middle of it sometimes!
My mom is trying; just the other day she said, all on her own, that she'd be interested in making some celtic-themed crafts and selling them at rennaissance fairs or the highland games. So it could be that it's drawing to a close. What's got me stressed is that you can really feel the tension in the air, and it's got all of us kids still at home in a tizzy.
But yeah, I'm sure they'll work it out. I just wanted to hear the wise words of my fellow kilties on the matter. Thanks everyone.
Ian, if for whatever reason I do sell 'em, I'll let you know.

[Riverkilt]

In the expected course of human development you are individuating...becomeing who you are as an individual -seperate from your parents.

Conflict is normal...just like a mama bear driving her cubs out of the den when they're ready to go off on their own.

And hey...we all know that there's a LOT of Viking blood among the Scots...there ain't much difference.

The farther back you are able to take your maternal and paternal family trees the more you'll learn. Pretty dangerous to start drawing lines because sooner or later of branch of that which you thought you aren't - is...

Ron
A Viking Scot for sure.

[davedove]

I'd be more inclined not to overdo the "All things Scottish" theme. Sure they may be underlying issues, but not to the exclusion of your mother's heritage. Celebrate hers also.

I have to agree with this. Her heritage is part of your background as well. It's awfully easy to get caught up in the Scottish heritage because of the very strong symbol of the kilt. Find a way to bring her heritage into your life.