More Progress

[JRMILLER]

Guys,
Been going real slow with my wife giving her time to see I am still OK and not turning into something weird. I started with skirts 2 years ago after finding this site (yes, it's all YOUR fault) and fell in love with them for all the usual reasons. Wife freaked out so I have collected and worn kilts. I wear skirts around the house when she is not here (I work at home).

Over time she says she is OK with the kilts and will actually compliment me on the look on occasion.

I have worn my Macabi skirt with her twice this year, I use it when I go kayaking. It's a long, waterproof skirt that you can adjust at any height you like when walking or sitting. In the kayak, I sometimes cover my legs to protect them from the sun or the water from the paddles. First time out with her in the Spring, I wore it tied up, this Fall, I wore it all the way down. I could tell she was a little twisted over it, but not seriously. She never said a word about the skirt. She even suggested we stop for ice-cream at the DQ on the way home from the kayak trip! We walked in together, she seemed unconcerned and never said a thing. Caught a few sidelong glances from some of the customers. That was fun, I am sure they were wondering what the heck it was. It looks like a very full, A shaped skirt, but it's nylon and has a lot of odd straps and rings on it.

Wife and I also attend a bible class together, the class is all about God, love, etc. So, thought I would try my skirt out on them. I have a really nice long blue print skirt and wore it a couple of times. Figured I would give the other attendees a chance to practice what they preach (I am their spiritual practice in a sense -- ). The encounters when well, had some questions, but nothing negative. Wife held up pretty good and really wasn't distracted by my appearance.

All in all, I am thinking things are going pretty good -- well then.....

...she surprises me this afternoon with a navy skirt -- asked me if I wanted it. It was too big on her. Well, it did fit me, but a little too tight so I turned it down (which probably surprised her). How cool is that?

It's been a long and very bumpy road with her over this issue, but time seems to be healing the wounds and I am sure we will come out of this stronger in the end. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

[crfriend]

That's awesome news on all fronts, John! I'm very happy for you, although you do need to take a little responsibility for the skirts on yourself; pawning it off on your pals just doesn't cut it.

By the by, what's your take on the Macabi? I've had my eye on one for a while, but don't know how it'd really stack up to my aesthetic? How full is it, and, I suppose mostly, could one wear it to the office and not look completely out of place? What's it feel like on? Is it stiff or flowy? How's its opacity in a strong backlight (I got some grief about that at work -- justifiably -- this past summer)?

Finally, that costume picture of you and your wife was just great. If the way you two were hamming it up for the camera is any indication, she may well be coming 'round. Too, the mention that she offerred you a skirt was a huge sign, but given the differences in your geometries, I cannot fathom how something that would even remotely fit her might fit you! (Sapphire and I have the same problem.)

[JRMILLER]

Carl,
WRT Macabi, when it is released it forms a nice A shape and I think looks OK. It is very lightweight and cool to wear. It does repeal water well as I indicated. Kayak paddles drip all over your legs when you paddle and the skirt protects you on a cool day. The roll-up aspect of it looks funky, but does make it nice for walking through fields -- and it cools you off even more.

It is opaque and flows well, but I don't think it is up to office-wear anymore than a pair of sweats would be. It's for knocking around outside.

It's a really odd duck, but I like it alot and will hang on to it.

SkirtCafe was a blessing to me at a time when I needed it. Helped me get my mind right. Peter actually helped me quite a bit, too bad that he didn't hang in there and continue to be a guy in a skirt. Feels like he sold out.

[Milfmog]

John,

Thanks for the update on your progress at home. I have had similar reactions from my wife though I reckon she's generally been pretty supportive provided I remain amenable to compromise when it is important to her. Every now and then I get a push back, for instance last weekend we went out for dinner (myself, Mrs M and our 14YO son). I wore a black kilt with a black button front shirt, kilt hose and black lace up shoes. As we were walking home a car passed us and gave a toot. "He's honking at your skirt." was the unexpected comment. Our son jumped in with "I doubt it, he's letting the two other idiots in boy racer cars know he's with them so they don't have to wait any longer." The lad was right, the car slowed to let two pocket rockets (actually all noisy exhaust and extreme body kits, no go fast in evidence) leave the pull-in in front of him, then accelerated off with them. Carole's next comment was "I guess I'm over sensitive about the kilts and skirts sometimes". Later she remarked that no one at the restaurant seemed to notice how I was dressed; her final remark of "shame really" caught me on the hop .

I am convinced that the keys to progress with reluctant family members are communication and taking your time. Let them see that it not an obsession for you and that most other folks don't care how you dress. In time, they simply get used to seeing you in a skirt and, once it is "normal" to them, they forget that it may be out of the ordinary to others.

Don't push too hard and I feel certain that your progress at home will continue.

Have fun,


Ian.

PS: In case anyone is interested, Macabi have a sale on until Christmas this year - 20% off all skirts with an extra 5% for previous customers. That makes a skirt $61.50 (or %57.70 for previous customers) plus shipping. Sadly shipping to the UK is over $30 for one skirt so, bythe time the customs folks have added a duty charge they become too expensive for me to justify to myself. Shame really, I rather fancy a long "bark" coloured Macabi; perhaps if I can wangle a trip Stateside through work...