I'd say it depends somewhat on the ethnicity of the person giving the compliment.

In my observations, (and I see this a LOT downtown, esp w/younger men) African American men are afforded more .... say, "latitude" in saying things to women unacquainted to them that would be considered offensive if the very same thing was said by a white man.

I've even asked my coworkers about it, right after it happened, and they've all sort of just blown it off, saying "he didn't mean anything by it"...

An example would be a wolf whistle, followed by an obvious look up and down, with a "mmmmmm-mmmuah!", then saying "damn you are beautiful". I witnessed that exact thing a few weeks ago, and it was pretty offensive. But my friend seemed unwilling to call it that.

I'm not sure if it's an issue of white guilt or something, or not wanting to be confrontational, or maybe even fear or intimidation, but I've seen her tell white guys to F-off when she's caught them looking at her.

It's weird. I don't understand it

Anonymous wrote:If it is a genuine compliment with no strings attached, I don't find it rude or creepy.

I'll remember you said that.

Is it a man paying the compliment? Then yes it is creepy and rude, almost always. There are exceptions. If it's a woman, then generally no (again, with exceptions).

Depends on how you do it. If you are leering, it'll come off creepy. If it's a genuine compliment like you'd give either sex, it's received well.

Some women will find any comment rude. Some women will find any comment welcome.

Yes I think it's inappropriate.

Just interact with the people you are with. As for interactung with someone you don't know in public...can you save it for someone who seems like they want to talk? And then....can you set aside the comments on appearance? Just talk about anything else.

It also depends on who its coming from and how it's delivered. Sorry to say, but context is key.

Young mom with kids walking in a parking lot, sees an elderly lady who's dressed very nice. "You look so beautiful," nice smile, move on.

Much else and the context means it's creepy.

If you (generally - not you, OP, specifically), as a straight man, wouldn't want a larger/stronger man saying something similar to you, then you shouldn't say it to a woman. In both cases it is an unsolicited comment from a stranger who is likely larger and stronger than you.

Anonymous wrote:Extremely.

It's one thing to compliment an article of clothing "I love your shoes!" or maybe a specific feature (eyes, smile), but say to a stranger "wow, you're really attractive" is weird - I would be weirded out.

Yup, it's creepy.

If it is a genuine compliment with no strings attached, I don't find it rude or creepy.

Extremely.

It's one thing to compliment an article of clothing "I love your shoes!" or maybe a specific feature (eyes, smile), but say to a stranger "wow, you're really attractive" is weird - I would be weirded out.

Isn't this the main reason why women spend so much time in front of the mirror each morning?
Compliments just mean it was time well spent.

Depends on how it's delivered. I've had some men in a nice way say "great smile", etc. without feeling like I'm being hit on. In general, it makes women feel uncomfortable, so I'd say "yes it can be rude and/or creepy".

I'm a woman and I will do it. Always received well. (And when strangers - men and women - have complimented my looks in pubic I've always felt flattered.)

I'm also going to say yes and yes.

Yes and yes.

In your opinion... Is this rude? Is this creepy?