When encountering others

[Jesse]

In public. I suggest a nice big smile, I walk frequently and starring problems are a real issue. I noticed if I flash a nice smile at them it defuses the situation down and makes it more pleasant for eye contact, and such. try it next time, I don't think anybody has ever been faced with that awkward position of social interaction with a smile. (that feeling of like this person wants to fight me) That's the feeling I get anyways when faced with a starring problem. what do you guys think?

[McGiver]

I agree. Yes.

[Jesse]

I wouldn't do this to teenagers though. you might get called a fag, however most adults will repay a smile with a friendly hello or smile back

[P7PSP]

Yes being casually friendly in public is a good idea.

['Butterflies']

I avoid eye contact, but tend to smile a lot. Annoyingly, it seems to make strangers think that I'm the type of person who enjoys talking to them

[McGiver]

I like to ask questions like:
Hey?
Sup dawg?
Wassup?

["couldbecousin"]

  I often give strangers a brief, clenched smile to demonstrate that I am not a rude bitch. 

[Icequeen]

I avoid eye contact, but tend to smile a lot. Annoyingly, it seems to make strangers think that I'm the type of person who enjoys talking to them

That.

It also tends to give guys the impression I am warm, caring, and sweet.

It's a trap.

[sg1008]

I like to ask questions like:
Hey?
Sup dawg?
Wassup?

That might get you jumped in certain neighborhoods.

[Jack]

Generally smile a lot and know it helps; make a point to be attentive when it's needed. Though most times don't really want to be bothered when out alone in public. Have more than once pretended to be deaf; that shuts them up.

[sg1008]

In public. I suggest a nice big smile, I walk frequently and starring problems are a real issue. I noticed if I flash a nice smile at them it defuses the situation down and makes it more pleasant for eye contact, and such. try it next time, I don't think anybody has ever been faced with that awkward position of social interaction with a smile. (that feeling of like this person wants to fight me) That's the feeling I get anyways when faced with a starring problem. what do you guys think?

I have issues like this as well esp since walking is my main mode of transportation. Someone suggested I wear sunglasses; I think that would diffuse the eye-contact stress a whole lot, but I don't like stuff on my face so I haven't tried it out.

When I was younger I would simply cross the street to avoid people, but now I am much more conscious of the fact that crossing when they pass, and then crossing back, might seem offensive. 

[McGiver]

I like to ask questions like:
Hey?
Sup dawg?
Wassup?

That might get you jumped in certain neighborhoods.

i feel comfortable in my skin color.

[odeon]

A smile is generally a good idea. Or, a brief nod and a smile when at the office.

["couldbecousin"]

A smile is generally a good idea. Or, a brief nod and a smile when at the office.

  Or a cheesy, taunting grin    as you walk past an office enemy who's just screwed up bigtime!

[P7PSP]

A smile is generally a good idea. Or, a brief nod and a smile when at the office.

  Or a cheesy, taunting grin    as you walk past an office enemy who's just screwed up bigtime!