This Woman Has Been Confronting Her Catcallers — And Secretly Filming Their Reactions

[davidthegnome]

109. Hmm

Catcalls are, generally speaking, ridiculous, offensive - and a good indicator that the person making them is either not too bright, or not terribly respectful. Or maybe drunk, I guess there are exceptions to almost every rule.

Approaching random strangers on the street to tell them they're hot/sexy/whatever is something I would never do. In part because I'm more respectful than that - but also in part, because I am a very shy person. I have always been a little uncertain though, about where most women draw the line. For instance, there are women I work with who I think of as beautiful, but I've always been too nervous to tell them this, not knowing whether they would appreciate it, or if that would strike them as misogyny, or even harassment. Generally I think it's wisest to keep my mouth shut about such things.

I would agree that approaching random strangers with these comments is not acceptable - and that neither are catcalls. I'm just honestly curious about when, if ever... it is okay to tell a woman we think she is very pretty? Perhaps it's one of those things that's all a matter of individual perspective. I mean, I've had women tell me I'm handsome, which usually leaves me blushing and ducking my head like a little kid... in part because I don't really believe them.

One of my favorite writers once suggested that, rather than telling a woman she is beautiful, you should show her she is, through your actions and words. Perhaps that's the way to go. Still, there are times when I would like to tell a woman that she is very pretty. Not a random stranger on the street, but women I know. The intent would be to compliment, maybe even flirt a little, I would just hope that it would make them feel nice, maybe smile. Or maybe that's just something I should never do.