Quote Originally Posted by Richland
I am going to put together a database of ALL the various reactions, Questions, and inquiries from the trousered outsiders. I will match them up with ALL the retorts, replies, and reactions you all have provided to me, and others as a result of your past experiences, and wit. I will get it linked from this site for all to use as they see fit. Does this document exist?
Something very close to that exists at www.kiltday.com/thequestion.htm
I add to it regularly, mostly with smart quips from from this very group.

As for the situation that started this thread; Derek, you did the best you could under the situation. Don't feel bad. I know dozens of people that would have done much worse, but most of them don't have the courage to wear a kilt!

As I have stated here in the past, I take those types of truly rare confrontations as a challenge. It is a challenge to try to turn the situation into a positive encounter, rather than a confrontation. I have had some really sour comments turn around 180 degrees an just a few seconds... you would be surprised at how easy it is to educate, inform and enlighten even the most determined naysayer with a bit of humor and basic information. Feel free to refer them to KiltDay.com I have lots of info, photos, articles and links there to help. Please check it out. It is not for profit, it is just there to help guys like you.

So, next time (if there ever is a next time, as it is pretty rare), accept the challenge and respond to them with dignity and patience... give them the benefit of the doubt and enlighten them. I have had many "Nice Skirt (scoff)" reactions turn into people asking for Utilikilts business cards.. potential sales, believe it or not! Your immediate response will dictate how things proceed. If you give it a fair shot and they are determined to end on a sour note (which I only had happen once, BTW), then you can chalk it up to their bad upbringing. You won't be feeling bad afterwards, maybe just sad for them and their shallow intellect.

At least, that's my take on it! :-D