• SirSamuel@lemmy.world
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    3 hours ago

    This particular style is kinda confrontational, generally starting with a firm “Excuse me, sir” or “Hey Chief”

    Also I’m an obese middle aged balding white guy. Once i get a little older and my beard gets whiter I’ll have a little more leeway. I’m aware of the inherent power differential that exists with some people because of my appearance alone. I don’t obsess over it, I’m just cognizant of it. My goal is to make people, especially people that may not always get a positive reaction from their outward appearance, feel a little better about themselves. But also just everyone, really. I want to be positive

    That being said, I was in a Home Depot the other day and passed a woman that had a sweet piece of art worked into her undercut. She had her braids pulled to the opposite side of her head to show it off. As I approached her on my way somewhere else we made eye contact. I took the opportunity to smile big with my eyes and a little with my mouth, tap the side of my head, and say “That’s freakin awesome. Love it!” The response was immediate, genuine, and super positive. In two seconds I was past her, moving on with my life. It was a good moment. A life made of these is a good life.

    So yeah, if the situation is right, I’m an equal opportunity complementer. I’m also happily married, so it’s not like it’s a ploy. But I have a skin condition that prevents me from wearing a ring most of the time, and, again, I’m aware of the dynamics of my appearance. Anyway, you’re right women are people too, just people that have a 1 in 4 chance of having been abused/assaulted in a way I never have been, by “people” the same gender as me. So I’m cautious of making them uncomfortable while just trying to live their lives

    You couldn’t know that from my comment tho, it’s all good. Love you and hope you have a great day 😊