Today I got really annoyed

**motorman4life** · 13th October 05, 10:28 PM

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

**Derek** · 14th October 05, 01:07 AM

Thanks for all your comments guys and gals. Really appreciated. I cooled off in no time at all. 99% of the time I deal with situations like that in a civilised way and as motorman has mentioned I try to enlighten the people concerned why I wear my Cilt. More often it turns into interesting conversations about all sorts of things. However for some strange reason this guy got right up my nose, the way he looked at me and the tone of voice and the words used, so I just went for it. I was standing up for the Cilt/Kilt more than me wearing it really, I took it as an insult to call a Cilt/Kilt a 'thing' when there is so much heritage and proudness in such a male garment.
While I'm here now I'll mention what happened last night. I went with my wife and pal to put some posters up in one of the local country pubs where we are doing a gig to raise money for the Local Breast Cancer Support Group, whom our other guitarist wife belongs to. There were lots of people there and standing at the bar were a few guys with their girlfriends (they would be in their 20's). When I went into the bar area of the pub to put a poster up, one of these guys and his girl followed me in a little and were giggling. I looked and he said his girlfriend thought my shoes were funny and they were making her laugh (they were both fairly 'merry'). Then they went back to the lounge. On my way back and in passing them and their friends I stopped and handed them all a poster and told the two that followed me .. 'If you want another laugh at me boots/Cilt, please come and support this very worthy cause next month .. I'll expect you'. They took the posters off me not having seen them, and the look on their faces when they read them was a joy to behold. The girls went beetroot and the boy certainly felt awkward. I did'nt get uptight at all. I then went and sat down as my pal had got the beers in by then.
Anyhow today is yet another Cilting day and as Graham has already mentioned, another day in the freedom of the Cilt.
Derek

**davedove** · 14th October 05, 04:47 AM

Don't worry too much about your reactions Derek. As long as you are concerned about how you reacted, it shows you have a recognition of the feelings of others, and therefore a decent man. Carry on in the mission of Cilted awareness!

**JackK** · 14th October 05, 05:05 AM

Derek,

To me your reply was spot on. I used to feel quilty or that I had been rude to folks like the '..gentleman', but then realized that I wasn't the rude one. Than again maybe as I've gotten older my patience or tolerance for people's attitudes as worn thin.

Jack

**bubba** · 14th October 05, 06:54 AM

As soon as he declared the Cilt an insult to God he demonstrated he was a lost cause. That sort will never hear reason.

**Alan H** · 14th October 05, 10:57 AM

About a week ago I got my first actual sneering, nasty comment from someone who wasn't even trying to be funny about it.

I will refrain from posting on this board what I told the sod, but while it wasn't sweet, is WAS short, to the point, and unmistakeable.

**motorman4life** · 14th October 05, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by Alan H

About a week ago I got my first actual sneering, nasty comment from someone who wasn't even trying to be funny about it.

I will refrain from posting on this board what I told the sod, but while it wasn't sweet, is WAS short, to the point, and unmistakeable.

C'mon Alan, don't tease! This is the place to post it!