How do I deal with strangers smiling and looking at me?

Question

Hi! A lot of times in stores, a lot of strangers smile and look at me a lot.

Most of the time I just go about doing what I'm supposed to do, without even noticing this. A lot of time family and friends are like: "Why didn't you smile back at that person?"

So, then... I begin trying to acknowledge people that look at me or smile... but then become so much self-aware, that I start feeling very uncomfortable. Plus, me paying attention to this makes me nervous... since I'm a little shy.

So, I guess my question is... how do I find a middle point between not noticing this people (coming off as rude) and the other extreme, being too concerned, conscious, and expecting of what happens around me.

How do I deal with this? I don't want to be rude, but I also just want to go about life without caring that much about this sort of stuff.

how do I do it?

Thank you so much!

Answer 1

Yeah, I know this feeling too. I had it. I kind of started smiling back, basically forcing myself. It feels good to respond a smile. Promise.  

Answer 2

If someone is smiling at you, they hope you will smile back. If you hurt their feelings, that will mess up the next encounter with the next good lookin guy they meet. It's really only a nice gesture from people who are genuinely nice. You are missing out on a lot if you just keep to yourself and don't interact with people. Just think, someday you may meet your soulmate that way so, smile, smile smile!!!

Answer 3

Ok the first thing is to carry pepper spray with you in case if something happens.

you sound like you are pretty attractive. when you go somewhere do not go alone.

Try to find out why they are smililng at you. It could mean that you are pretty or you behave/do things/ look wierd.

or it could be your clothes or anything. find out but do not get near them and ask randomly why they are doing it. remember that someone should be with you. dont ask alot to. and if you dont want to sound wierd in front of your friend. make sure he is in your eyesight and say it so that person smiling at you can here, but not him.

then give an excuse why u where taking to him, say you wanted to know where they sell pudding, etc.

Answer 4

shake ur head no

Answer 5

When this happens just nod your head and give a very brief small smill or no smile what ever you fell up to that day. It may be just your aura or the way you carry yourself, don't get your panties in a knot over it.