I think we get jaded and cautious about people’s intentions after getting burned a few times. Like when I was in Puerto Vallarta, about 70 % of the people who were friendly on the street wanted to sell me something (usually a time share). I could have shut out all the locals, but I didn’t because I realized 30% of the people I met were nice, regular people. They were just nice to be nice! When I followed their advice, it led me out of the tourist zone to even more nice people who weren’t just on the make. And it made them feel good to be nice. I’m glad you are one of those people. Maybe umbrella man was too. One thing I’ve learned is that when we are confident in ourselves, we don’t have to worry so much about people’s initial intentions. By being ourselves, we might even change that pickup artist’s intentions for the better. And if not, we can simply walk away. Certainly as a woman, you have to be smart enough to be cautious with strange men who just approach you, though. There is the rare predator/sicko out there. So do be nice. But be smart too!

I think we get jaded and cautious about people’s intentions after getting burned a few times. Like when I was in Puerto Vallarta, about 70 % of the people who were friendly on the street wanted to sell me something (usually a time share). I could have shut out all the locals, but I didn’t because I realized 30% of the people I met were nice, regular people. They were just nice to be nice! When I followed their advice, it led me out of the tourist zone to even more nice people who weren’t just on the make. And it made them feel good to be nice. I’m glad you are one of those people. Maybe umbrella man was too. One thing I’ve learned is that when we are confident in ourselves, we don’t have to worry so much about people’s initial intentions. By being ourselves, we might even change that pickup artist’s intentions for the better. And if not, we can simply walk away. Certainly as a woman, you have to be smart enough to be cautious with strange men who just approach you, though. There is the rare predator/sicko out there. So do be nice. But be smart too!

I think we get jaded and cautious about people’s intentions after getting burned a few times. Like when I was in Puerto Vallarta, about 70 % of the people who were friendly on the street wanted to sell me something (usually a time share). I could have shut out all the locals, but I didn’t because I realized 30% of the people I met were nice, regular people. They were just nice to be nice! When I followed their advice, it led me out of the tourist zone to even more nice people who weren’t just on the make. And it made them feel good to be nice. I’m glad you are one of those people. Maybe umbrella man was too. One thing I’ve learned is that when we are confident in ourselves, we don’t have to worry so much about people’s initial intentions. By being ourselves, we might even change that pickup artist’s intentions for the better. And if not, we can simply walk away. Certainly as a woman, you have to be smart enough to be cautious with strange men who just approach you, though. There is the rare predator/sicko out there. So do be nice. But be smart too!