If feeling special comes from inside and what others think should have no bearing on our self-image, why do women wear make up? Why do they curl their hair? Why to they ask, "Does this dress make me look fat?"

Why did women wear pants and jeans 50 years ago when it was not socially acceptable and prople thought less of them for doing so?

The fact is, what others think and how they may reinforce our perception of our self-worth has a huge impact on our self-esteem.

As I have stated elsewhere, besides wearing the kilt as a visible symbol of my Celtic pride and heritage, as well as comfort, one of the major reasons I wear a kilt is because I am forced to wear a uniform for about 1/2 of my waking hours. Being in a uniform is very comforming and wearing a uniform is a visible form of submission. When I am not required to conform, I choose to wear a kilt, to express my individuallity, confidence and masculinity. For me, a great part of it is about the freedom it brings and represents.

BTW, over the weekend, I got into a brief conversation with my g/f about kilts and out-of-the-blue, she said if she were single, she would not consider going out with a guy in a kilt. She said she thought it was strange for a guy to want to wear a kilt regularly and she did not find it appealing for everyday wear. She said she thought it was fine for costume or a specific event, like the Highland Games, but she did not see wearing a kilt on a daily basis as being "rational." Well, needless to day, I was very dissapointed. It won't change my habits and I'm really glad she felt confident enough in our relationship to express herself honestly and openly, but I am dissapointed, none the less.