Is it going too far to compliment a stranger?

[mreilly]

I went to a spaghetti dinner at my wife's (reasonably moderate Catholic church) tonight. One of the servers, a woman about my age (40) had amazing long flowing red locks. Without thinking I said "You have a beautiful head of hair.". She replied "thank you" in a pleasant tone of voice but then of course I thought "Geez, hope she didn't think I was hitting on her.". I try to be an open and direct person when I can, and simply wanted to pay a compliment to someone who deserved it. What do you think-nice guy remark or creepy stalker comment?

[RC]

1. As long as there is no follow up by either, you're cool.

[madinmaryland]

2. So you were the douchebag hitting on my wife...

Just kidding.

[Angry Dragon]

3. As long as you did not follow her around for the rest of the night

you should be okay

Was your wife okay with it??
That should give you some clue

[mreilly]

4. Thanks all

No follow up by me... my wife would be fine with the comment; we have kids with red hair (though neither of us are red-headed) and appreciate the hue. It's not as if I said "You have a beautiful face" (which she did) - wouldn't even be worth concerning myself with if it hadn't been at a church setting. I don't want the villagers to gather their torches for me next time I go (my wife is a liberal Catholic; I'm not religious) but would have been more concerned if the lady's response had been curt or offended. I think it's stupid to be concerned overall (boy don't we as a society claim to love honest people but then get mad at those who speak their minds?), but you just never know where words can carry you these days...

[Curmudgeoness]

5. I think that everyone likes to have a compliment.

You never know, you might have made her day. If someone takes offense to a small compliment, it is their problem. Obviously, this woman was not offended, so all is well.

[pipi_k]

6. I would say

no. It isn't going too far.

In fact, one of the best compliments I ever got was from a stranger, in 1978 at a social function. I was with then-husband and some other friends.

A strange man walked up to me and said, "I just wanted to tell you I think you are lovely". I was surprised, but thanked him...he smiled and walked away.

That was it.

It was 34 years ago, and I remember it like yesterday. That guy probably never realized how cool I thought that was.

Compliment from a stranger who wanted nothing from me.

[yellowcanine]

7. As long as you didn't follow up with a comment on her boobs or butt you are probably ok.

[elleng]

8. Nice guy.

She's probably heard it before, and appreciates the compliment.

[Orrex]

9. Did you tell her that you want to scalp her and wear her hair as a wig? No?

Then probably not too creepy.

[HappyMe]

10. Nice guy.

I don't see any problem.

[monmouth]

11. I compliment others all the time, makes me feel good and I mean the compliments. I only

do that if there has been eye contact however...LOL..