Talking to family about accessory/jewelry preferences

Some of you may have seen me mention a few times in the past, either in posts or threads, that I like the look of, and have wanted to get a few anklets/ankle bracelets for myself.

Well, I bought one from Ebay. It came today in the mail. I've been wearing it all day since I got it. In fact, I'm wearing it as I type this. The problem is I have been hiding it from my family. Luckily it's the time of year for long pants and blankets, so I can conceal it well under those.

I know I'm going to have to eventually tell my family about it, because they're eventually going to see me wearing it. I'm worried about what they'll think of it. See, I feel like they would view an anklet as something only girls would wear (and in a majority of cases, that's true). They're fine with the rest of my jewelry (a chain, a couple rings, and a few bracelets) but this is something I could see them having a problem with, particularly my dad.

In a way, I guess a part of me still views it as a girly accessory too. I just don't know how to explain to them that this is something I want to wear. I'm worried that they'll think I'm gay (I mean, I AM bisexual, but nowhere near ready to tell them that yet) or want to be a girl. I don't. I'm just a guy who happens to like an accessory typically seen as feminine. I don't know why I am so worked up over it. Just a few months ago there was a contestant on a reality game show we all watch and that contestant was a guy who wore an anklet (but then again, he was a lifeguard, and they tend to be the type to wear them). Not sure if they ever noticed that he wore one, but I did.

What should I say to them? Should I casually bring up the subject of guys wearing anklets and see what they say? How should I handle the small part of myself that thinks it's kind of weird?

 

I should also add that they're pretty much pro-LGBT, and they also believe that it's perfectly acceptable for a boy to play with toys usually marketed towards girls, as well as a few other things. At least my mom and sister are anyway; never really talk about that kind of stuff with my dad so I don't know what he thinks.

They're just still old-fashioned in certain viewpoints, and I feel like 'guys shouldn't wear anklets' is one of them.

 

I was also thinking I could bring up the guy from the show. I could be like "Hey, remember Tyler from Big Brother? He wears one and I liked his style so I was thinking of getting one to try it out. What do you guys think?" Then get their reaction from that.

I'm also trying to google male celebrities that have worn one to back up my claims, but I'm not having a lot of luck finding anything there.

 

The one I purchased is just a basic, sterling silver one. Nothing exciting. Looks exactly like these: https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/vfgAAOSwKIpWDrux/s-l1600.jpg. I just have one instead of three. Does that one look too flashy?

I've also wanted to get this one: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61yKtFS4XeL._SY500_.jpg. I think it's a bit more understated than the first, and therefore more casual-looking, even though both of them are pretty simple.

 

That's what I was afraid of. Darn it! I don't know what to do.

 

Yeah but the other stuff I wear alot of guys also wear.

I've seen people wear sandals/flip flops or different kinds of sneakers (usually Vans or Converse, but any non-high top sneaker would work), or slip on shoes with an anklet.

 

That's what I mean. In men's fashion, the anklet seems to have been reserved to certain groups, usually lifeguards/people who live in beach towns, hippies, and I've seen some skaters wear them as well. I'm none of those.

I wore it out today with low sneakers. Funny thing was, my sock came right up to where the anklet rests on my ankle, so it was basically resting on my sock all day.

I am currently wearing it, have been since it arrived in the mail. I've just been hiding it under really long pants and blankets because I don't know how my family would take it. That's why I have to talk to them about it.

 

I'll have to decide if I want to just spring it on them or tell them.

It's ironic really. My mom and sister are pro-LGBT for the most part, but yet I am not out to them as bisexual. I don't know why.

Different topic for a different thread I guess...

 

Thanks for your input!

Plus it matches with most of my other jewelry. With the exception of my bracelets (which are varying materials, usually rope or leather), all of my jewelry is gray/silver in color. So it's like an overall uniform look.

 

I think I've decided to just wear it and see if they notice. If they say anything, I'll just say "I've always liked the look and wanted to try it out."