I have no idea if this is indicative of being on a college campus, being in a progressive city, or being a professor of a certain age. Nonetheless, I continue to reflect on the “catcalls” from the construction workers around campus this semester.
Example #1:
Construction Worker: You look really nice today!
Professor Me: Well, thank you!
Example #2:
Construction Worker: I really like that hat!
Professor Me: Thank you!
Seriously, I’ve never interacted with such nice construction workers handing out compliments that I would enjoy hearing from my family or friends. I don’t know why, but I’ll attribute it to all three explanations above.