Quote:
Originally Posted by prefabsprout
In my experience "Smile darling" and other such interjections from random men in the street is subtext for "Look at me I need attention"... It's usually a clumsy half baked chat up line (I have never experienced it from a woman), I'd say if it's from a stranger it's fine to ignore it - other reactions I've given have included a fake cheesy grin or a glare depending on my mood. It's darn right rude to talk to a stranger like that so it's a justified response IMO.
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When I was in my teens and twenties that would often happen to me but I always thought the men were simply being rude as opposed to chatting me up. I've always been intimidated by men so I thought that if I avoided eye contact with them and didn't smile, they wouldn't have a reason to talk to me. I was wrong obviously, because my indifference towards them would only attract negative attention.
Even in these modern times women are encouraged to be receptive to men and to take care of their needs, whatever they may be, and women who aren't smiley, approachable or "fun loving" are treated with disdain.