Women: do you refrain from smiling at strange men for fear it will encourage them to hit on you?

Answer 1

Yes, I was like that when I was single, but now I am a happy married mom and I just smile at everybody.
The thing is, many men think that a woman smiling at them is someone who is interested in them, I know because it happened to me often, specially with guys at the office, after 2 or 3 smiles just to say hi, I had them at my desk!!!!!
And you know what is even more funny? Now, when I am with my children and smile to some men (specially to other children's dads at my son's school) they seem to be uncomfortable, to avoid a response or even start talking about their wives!!!!!!

Answer 2

Yes, I do. I refrain from smiling because they might get the wrong idea, they might think I am desperate hitting on them. I prefer that the man makes the first move. I am kind of old fashioned in that respect. Eyes and smiles are a turn on for me.

Answer 3

As I have only my interpretation of "YOU" to go by then I say that no I would not avoid smiling for fear of encouraging you. But, as a general rule a smile is and should be construed as encouragement. If I am totally repelled then a smile would never cross my lips, but still that is not my restraint. As you "know" of me I am not one for too much restraint when attraction is involved so I perhaps I can't answer this one for you. Perhaps when you asked this you never intended me to even see it. On that premise I will say that "if" I were not attracted to a man I would not smile no matter restraint or repulsion. Best wishes

Answer 4

I smile because it is the right thing to do. Smiling is not encouragement but politeness. If a man hits on me due that simple smile I simply say "I am happily married'.

I never say "sorry I am married" for I am NOT SORRY !! I have the greatest husband in the world and living a dream life!

Answer 5

I used to smile at most people but I have found that men often take that in the wrong way. So I more than often will not smile at men. I have even had a deacon in my church tell his wife he thought I was after him. All I did was smile. I was sure relieved when she believed me! Men do sometimes think that we are all desperate for their attention.

Answer 6

Yes. Unfortunately it happens too often, we have to keep our guard up. If we want you to hit on us you'll know it. We still may be too shy to give you an obvious smile, but you'll catch us looking your way more than once. If you're really interested, but not getting a look or a smile, say something, but give up if the woman is not interested!

Answer 7

Yes. Men read into things differently than we do. I was taught it was polite to smile at someone when they looked at me. As I got older and matured my simple smile started to get me a lot of unwanted attention. I started having to fend off men left and right. It got annoying. I still had problems after I got married and started wearing my wedding ring. For that reason I only smile at men when I am at work and required to.

Answer 8

Yes. By smiling, you are sending out a message of being "open" to them. Avoid eye contact if you are NOT interested in meeting them or talking with them.

Answer 9

Absolutely!

But the indicators, non verbal messages would have triggered something in me to tell me that I have to do that.

But in general smiling is free and just do it freely. Watch out for the cheesy hollywood ones that are just soooo plastic.

Answer 10

When I go out, I usually refrain from wearing my glasses. I might not see you if'n ya smile at me......move a little closer sweetie.