Personal Growth From Kilting

**RockyR** · 13th September 10, 03:42 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

I agree, Ron, and while those in Scotland may not see it that way, I think you're spot-on for what it does to a lot of men here in the States (and other countries) where trousers are the norm. It takes a lot of intestinal fortitude to strap on a kilt and go out in public for the first time. And I think that's a healthy thing for men to do, stepping away from seemingly forced societal conventions and asserting their individuality. Certainly wearing a kilt is not "new ground" in society, but it's different enough (while still being safely tied to a cultural tradition) that it can be a boost to one's self esteem and open up a whole new world of individuality.

I agree with Tobus 100%...

It's not the same here (or most countries / communities) as it is in Scotland. In Scotland, it isn't looked on as nearly as 'out of the ordinary' as it is here. In Scotland, you may be given a second glance, but not a second STARE (insert "bug - eyed smiley" here). The Scottish obeserver may think to themselves "Hmm... I wonder why that man is wearing a kilt today?" The person outside Scotland may think "What the HECK is THAT guy wearing and WHY?"

**Matty Ross** · 13th September 10, 06:22 AM

To add to what rocky just said, here (in the US) there is always someone who knows perfectly well it's a kilt and insists on calling it a "skirt"

**artificer** · 13th September 10, 07:30 AM

Originally Posted by RockyR

I agree with Tobus 100%...

It's not the same here (or most countries / communities) as it is in Scotland. In Scotland, it isn't looked on as nearly as 'out of the ordinary' as it is here....The Scottish obeserver may think to themselves "They must be on the way to a wedding, or possibly be a tourist."

Fixed that for you

**McFarkus** · 13th September 10, 07:40 AM

For those of us not living in Scotland, I think it's a way to be a bit counter-cultural and traditional at the same time.

**Jimmy** · 13th September 10, 07:51 AM

often thought that I would love to kilt about in some US small town where I would be the only kiltie there, so different from kilting in Scotland, I can see how this would inspire you and give you more insight into yourself and your what you are

**Richard** · 13th September 10, 07:57 AM

I don't see a "Growth" well not in my little village I'm still the only person to wear a kilt and for some it is still a novelty to see a man in a kilt.

**Whidbey78** · 13th September 10, 08:42 AM

Originally Posted by Jimmy

often thought that I would love to kilt about in some US small town where I would be the only kiltie there, so different from kilting in Scotland, I can see how this would inspire you and give you more insight into yourself and your what you are

I am that guy. People here have forgotten my name and just say "the guy in the kilt." Strangely though the questions have become divided. When I'm kilted, people ask me why. When I'm wearing p@^ts they ask me why. The younger kids seem to think its cool, the old ladies LOVE it, and most of the guys say "I wish I could pull it off." I'm not sure what that means.

Back to what Ron wrote--I agree wholeheartedly. There is a growth that occurs, not because of the kilt itselfbut because of the "hurtle" that gets jumped the first time one goes out and about in it. It takes a special confidence, but more importantly I think it makes the wearer realize that peoples' perception of you is(or should be) based on character and personality. It's almost an instant gage for deciding if you really want to associate with people. And beside that, once you have donned a peculiar article of clothing, made yourself stand out, and made that silent statement that you're going to do what you want to do, you have no real option but to just be yourself and let your personality show through. Even when I'm not kilted I find that I am a little more confident when meeting people and just being out in public than I used to be, and I'm more outgoing. Just don't tell the FDA or kilts will become available by prescription only.

Beside that, the chicks dig it!

**Woodsman** · 13th September 10, 08:50 PM

I must say that I agree with all above. Well said Ron, Tobus and Whidbey78.

It has also caused me to become more aware of my clothing and the way I dress as well as the clothing choices of others. Sort of new dimension in "girl watching" you could say.

Don't you just pitty the poor bloke who has not tried on the kilt?

**kiltedRTR** · 13th September 10, 08:58 PM

[QUOTE=Whidbey78;911132] The younger kids seem to think its cool, the old ladies LOVE it, and most of the guys say "I wish I could pull it off." I'm not sure what that means.[QUOTE]

I know what you mean. I've had tons of guys tell me, they won't wear a kilt because they just can't or don't think they "can pull it off." I'm still trying to figure out why they think that. I guess it is the confidence thing though.

I'm a naturally outgoing individual but my girlfriend even says I seem to have even more confidence when I'm in a kilt.

**Howard Clark** · 14th September 10, 01:38 PM

I am "that guy" also (only kiltie around a small town). Show up in Iowa to play paintball in a kilt and see how much staring there is. Occasionally even fiinger pointing and sniggering. But not for long after the game starts. My sons both enjoy it, watching the reactions of people. If nothing else I have taught them to not be afraid of what other people think. I feel pretty good about that.