A random guy called me beautiful?

It could just mean he thought you were beautiful and it would be nice to mention it. Just take it as a nice compliment and go on.

I've had similar impulses, but since I never know how that kind of comment will be received, I usually stiffle the impulse.

Maybe, maybe not. Some men use a line like that to see if a girl is an easy mark for manipulation, other men might be sincere. Usually the really nice guys would have a hard time making a move like that. I assume you do not know anything about this person, his character or his intentions. How old are you? How old do you think he is?

Exactly! Nice guys might think in their heads "wow, she's beautiful, wish I could talk to her", but they know that could be intimidating for numerous reasons and usually will not make the bold move on a stranger.

I've had that said to me when I was pretty obviously having a lousy day - I think in that case it's less of a compliment than a "hang in there" kind of statement.

Only one guy ever sincerely called me beautiful and I love him from long ago even now. He's the one who wrote me short poems in chem class. I think he was what my elders called "smitten". That didn't work out - religion. Which was just as well, looking back, for both of us, not about religion but that he was much more of an outdoor explorer. (Of course, the beautiful thing and the poetry was him making me into a person of interest mixed with fantasy, but a lot of us do that at the start.)

I've been called beautiful once in a while by guys on the street or on construction sites; eh, smile if you want to and walk on, that's all bull, though usually not meant as hostile. (We have a whole long thread about a famous photograph re that).
If you happen to be running the crew and a woman, that will stop fast, unless you foster it to some extent.

Other names can mean more. My husband called me his little avocado. Oh, and Prunella.

I have often told a strange woman that I thought her dress was perfect for her or that whoever cut her hair should get a prize.

When I was married, I wore a ring and didn't mess around, when I was single (ah,,,,such good days, such bad days.) such compliments sometimes led to something more, often enough to make me happy.

No one ever seemed offended.

I especially like to go up to someone who is obliviously on her way to a job interview and say "I just want to tell you, you look great."

That makes my day.

Joe( )Nation

A random guy called me beautiful once, or was that bitch?

I can’t remember.

I sometimes like to pay people unexpected compliments just because.

Sometimes it startles them, generally they smile and go on with their day - hopefully a tiny bit happier than before I paid them a compliment.

I'm particularly fond of complimenting goth and emo-style kids on their overall look. They tend to fall into the startled category.

I have been known to say "Hey, thanks for the smile". Sometimes it's just unexpected, and only when it's deserved.

Are you sure there weren't any cameras around? This reminds of these guys in youtube called simplepickup



It's just a possibility anyway, but it'd be something wouldn't it if you were to browse youtube and you see yourself in one of these immature videos.

I randomly compliment people all the time, both male and female.

Usually not the ones who seem to expect to be compliment, just any person will do.

Thing is, you've got to mean it.

I have people do that to me too. I just enjoy the lift it gives me.

Ditto on that sentiment.

Yeah ... most likely. That's the most likely explanation out of all possible explanations.

Pffft. Just enjoy it. Consider it a good day, and go on.

Come on Hawkeye........

I had a woman out of the blue tell me that I have lovely eyes of all things, it was a nice feeling for an old male.

That's the best reason to do it - someone else having that nice feeling.

Wow. That was a really nice post, Chai!