I still do that.  If I truly admire something, I just tell the person “I really like your shirt, or ring…” or whatever.  But when I do so, I must time it to leave immediately.  I don’t want hear how their great Aunt Matilda gave it to them twenty years ago for Christmas, or anything more.  Exit strategy, timing and discretion are crucial.  ‘Hit softly’ and run is the best way.

One of the most memorable encounters was with a young woman who had passed me on the street.

It was a warm summer Sunday morning.  She was, in the argot of those days, drop-dead gorgeous. the kind of upper class ‘chick’ who should be on the cover of Town and Country magazine .   

I overcame logic and discretion, passing her by, and turning around to say:

Another really fun experience came in front of Macy’s at 34th & Broadway on a sweltering, hot day.  Some young men were working out on wooden barriers that had been left on the sidewalk.

There they were, stripped down to their shoes and workout shorts.  No shirts. Just Glorious.  As the bus was approaching, I went over.  I announced boldly that I had taken a survey of New York women, and it had been decided that they could not wear shirts again until it snowed.

At first their faces were puzzled, thinking this woman is going to rank on us.  When they ‘got it,’ they chuckled, then laughed and thanked me.

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