For Females: Unanticipated Flattery

[Totenkindly]

Question for females:

How do you feel when you're just going about your day [i.e., are not trying to look attractive or get any attention] and a man unexpectedly says, "Wow, you're really good-looking / cute / gorgeous!" or makes some other comment about your appearance?

Is this generally a welcome thing, or does it become bothersome after awhile, or.... Well, what's your perception?

[nightning]

I become suspicious about their hidden motives since I do not associate those things with myself. Well maybe that's not very fair to the OP... I'll replace it with qualities I do have. Infrequent compliments are well received. Do it too often I get embarassed.

[disregard]

Always anticipated

[targobelle]

I can't say I have experienced what you are asking in the OP so really I have no idea how I would respond.

[Lookin4theBestNU]

I work with the public so things like that happen on a regular basis. I go to work looking professional not sexy. It's always disturbing though having a husband standing behind his wife winking at you or giving you the twice over. I don't mind occasional flattery. I dish it out to others from time to time too. I just think it's important that you don't come off as creepy.

(I wanted to add too-never lick your lips at a strange woman-it's disgusting and never a good idea! If you feel that urge coming on let it go!!)

[Totenkindly]

All right -- to expand a little, how about in welcome threads or "What We Look Like" threads?

There, I suppose you have more control over how you present yourself and whether you even bother, so you're prepared for a potential post like "OMG UR so HOT!" or whatever else.

Does it ever get old after awhile, or does it feel like people are just reacting to what you look like, rather than "you" per se?

[Ravenetta]

Question for females:

How do you feel when you're just going about your day [i.e., are not trying to look attractive or get any attention] and a man unexpectedly says, "Wow, you're really good-looking / cute / gorgeous!" or makes some other comment about your appearance?

When a complete stranger says it? I ignore them and move away. There isn't any reason I should stand out to that extent. With complete strangers, someone taking a double look, looking at my eyes and smiling is welcomed. I guess the feeling of being obligated or pressured to respond is not welcomed.

When someone I know or am in a conversation with compliments me, I usually appreciate it. Even if a cashier says, "nice weather... la dee da... followed by a light compliment", I would appreciate it. I'm with L4BNU about being turned sick when a guy who is clearly 'with' a woman is eyeing me. I usually confine my eye contact and communication to her in that case. I will not compete with my looks or sexual attention. I'm quite open and accepting of sincerity from men or women in social and sexual matters.

[cafe]

It doesn't happen real often and when it does, it really depends. If it's not creepy, it can be a nice little lift, but I'd rather be complimented on something I value more and put more effort into.

[Alienclock]

First internal reaction? Dread.

[JivinJeffJones]

NLA