One person's opinion

[creagdhubh]

If a friend, a genuine one, cannot vioce an opinion that runs contrary to yours, then who can? That is life, surely? Respect him/her and the views voiced and get on with doing your own thing.

Whilst I have no wish to stir up a hornets nest,-----I probably will-----, I do think that your friend may have some valid points there, for some kilt wearers of today.

***

[SlackerDrummer]

I think for men who take to wearing the kilt later in life it can be rather hard for friends (or spouses) to wrap their heads around the idea. It can be seen as, or sometimes is, a midlife crisis behavior. Friends and family alike may not know or, more to the point, understand a long-held desire to wear the kilt finally being actualized ... much less a new-found desire to do so. I don't know why you started wearing the kilt, but I'm assuming you haven't always (otherwise your friend wouldn't be making a big deal about it now). Perhaps explaining that might help. Whether it's "because I think kilts are cool and never had the nerve (or money) to own one until now" or "well, that's what we do here in the highlands" everyone has a reason.

[creagdhubh]

I think for men who take to wearing the kilt later in life it can be rather hard for friends (or spouses) to wrap their heads around the idea. It can be seen as, or sometimes is, a midlife crisis behavior. Friends and family alike may not know or, more to the point, understand a long-held desire to wear the kilt finally being actualized ... much less a new-found desire to do so. I don't know why you started wearing the kilt, but I'm assuming you haven't always (otherwise your friend wouldn't be making a big deal about it now). Perhaps explaining that might help. Whether it's "because I think kilts are cool and never had the nerve (or money) to own one until now" or "well, that's what we do here in the highlands" everyone has a reason.

Well said, Kenneth.

[Chas]

Life is not a dress rehearsal. If a person doesn't indulge themselves now - just when are they supposed to do it?

Regards

Chas

[Mike in Dayton]

I think for men who take to wearing the kilt later in life it can be rather hard for friends (or spouses) to wrap their heads around the idea. It can be seen as, or sometimes is, a midlife crisis behavior. Friends and family alike may not know or, more to the point, understand a long-held desire to wear the kilt finally being actualized ... much less a new-found desire to do so. I don't know why you started wearing the kilt, but I'm assuming you haven't always (otherwise your friend wouldn't be making a big deal about it now). Perhaps explaining that might help. Whether it's "because I think kilts are cool and never had the nerve (or money) to own one until now" or "well, that's what we do here in the highlands" everyone has a reason.

This is true for me. While I had the interest since high school I did not have the means or knowledge to do it. We also did not have the kilt options in the 70's we have today. So now long time friends and family see these kilts that did not exist several years ago. They wonder why. They can be uneasy about it when mixed with their own fears of the "skirt" thing that western society norms have engrained in our heads.

Mike

[flintstone]

I think I qualify as being later in life. Past 65 when I got first one.
My father wore kilts in the 1950s and I wore one as a child. I allowed
society to affect my perception of what is acceptable for far to many years.
Wear mine at home every day and am quite comfortable with it. If others
find it hard to accept that is their problem not mine.

Do what you feel is right for yourself, apologize to no one, and wear it
with pride.

[Father Bill]

I do think that your friend may have some valid points there, for some kilt wearers of today.

Agreed!

[RogerWS76]

I have a few nieces who had the "Why are you wearng a skirt" attitude until they came and watched their Dad and I throw at the Games. My OWN kids (a boy and a girl), on the other hand, immediately asked me to make one for them!

Your true friends, in whom you must have confidence, will join you in your celebration, whether or not they will join your fashion choices!

[Riverkilt]

Amazing the cheek of some people!

They are applying THEIR standards to your choices.

There's an old two word Anglo Saxon response to such intrusiveness and attempts to control your behaviors.

[xman]

If I may, I think your best response is, "Thanks for your input. I'm still comfortable. Try not to be embarrassed. You haven't done anything wrong by befriending a kiltie".

Sure and I haven't thought myself if my kilts are sometimes more distracting to the purpose of whatever event I may be attending and sometimes don't kilt simply because I don't want to distract. Sometimes that happens, but not on anyone else's schedule, on my own.