Ask Lemmy

I think the classical answer is "tip your hat".

I usually just say something like "good evening" and continue walking and you immediately see the other person relax.

Just be polite and ignore them, I guess

Does anyone remember that Vine where the guy is filming himself walking at night and says “oh there’s a woman walking alone up there. I better catch up to her and let her know I’m not a threat” as he starts sprinting? Damn vine used to be fun

Ignore her like anyone else and let her decide on her own comfort zone walking by you? If some one sees you walking alone, and starts altering their behavior because of your presence, whatever their intention, it sends the message that you have been noticed, you are being watched, they are reacting to your presence, and this indicates some kind of interest or goal in an interaction.

So just keep waking, if she wants to cross the street, just ignore her. Definitely don't yell "It's okay I'm not a rapist!" or "I have a girlfriend already!", just let her do her thing, and you keep doing yours.

Its just a jump to your left.

Ignore and carry on with your life.

Ignore her?

Don't try to chat up women at night. There is no scenario of a strange man being interested in me while it's dark that I'll be receptive to. It's impossible for your line to be so good I'll stop seeing you as dangerous.

If the woman is uncomfortable she can alter her path. I've been that woman before but have rarely felt uncomfortable enough to cross the street or whatever. I just keep walking and either ignore or give a pleasant nod to the man to let him know I'm chill and not scared and we're two normal innocuous people passing each other.

Maybe twice in my life my spidey senses tingled and I changed my path and got out of there. Our instincts protect us.

Make eye contact, smile widely, and enthusiastically extend my hand so she knows I'm not a threat.

No, I actually just keep walking, not altering my path. Occasionally will give them a nod, just like I'd give anyone.

I just wave and go on my business. Unless they have a dog, in which case I say 'sup dawg' because that's what I do for all 3 dimensional dogs.

People can pick up a lot of information from someone they see walking towards them. They can tell by your gait, your body movements, and facial expressions (if you're close enough to see them) whether you might be a threat or not. As a man in this situation who has never and will never be a threat to women I think that comes across in subtle ways without having to say a word. And since someone I didn't know at a party came up to me and said I had the kindest face they've ever seen, that also works in my favor. When we finally pass each other I always say hello and smile and keep on walking. And if you do see a woman walking towards you don't do anything stupid like slow down or stop or walk with your head down with your hands in your pockets.

Take a step or two to the side if able, otherwise just try to get past without eye contact. I worry more about coming up behind them and say good evening to let them know I'm there.

If this isn't a wrong answers only question:

I would be more comfortable if the guy gave me space, but as long as you are not accosting me, a "good evening" and keep going is fine.

If it's wrong answers only, choose any of the walks from the ministry of silly walks Monty Python sketch.

I suggest rubbing your hands together and winking as often as possible while breathing heavily.

Pull your shirt over your head so that it covers your face and prostrate yourself.

1. Give your best battle scream.

2. Run directly into the nearest woods.

3. Protect her from nearby bears, particularly aggressive squirrels, other men that are doing a battle scream in the woods, etc.

4. Once she is safely past, resume normal activities.