What would have been an appropriate response?

[Blanketfull]

At the supermarket, some boys, maybe 11/12yo were sitting by the trollies commenting on the appearance of every woman who approached. Not sexually or negatively, but even so..I was wearing running kit and they said they liked my shoes. They told another they liked her coat.

I'd like to think there were no sinister undertones they were just being nice, but it seems to me they were learning young how to enjoy making women feel uncomfortable.

I was rubbish and just ignored them. What should I have done?

But you're saying they said positive things?

🤔

Yes, that what I said, on the face of it they were being nice, but if that's OK, a wolf whistle is intended to show appreciation?

"These old things? Thank guys! Have a nice day!"

You said they were just being nice. Take it face value, maybe?

If you don't know the difference between a wolf whistle and some children saying they like your shoes I'm not sure you should be allowed on the Internet

They weren't being nice though, were they?. They were there having a laugh at all the women's expense.

They commented on your shoes, not your arse

Yes, but they didn't comment on any men's shoes.

“Awww thanks, I like your trainers/t shirt/hoodie”
why not just assume they are being nice?

You didn't say they were sniggering or laughing

They sound truly delightful. I'd have smiled and said "thanks guys". Why do you find their behaviour sinister? Makes a change from a teenager stabbing you, surely?

Even if they weren’t, taking it as nice and doing the same back would take the power away from them anyway

How long did you watch them for? They might have said stuff to some men too 🤷🏻‍♀️.

Even if they were being silly and poking fun, I don’t think commenting on someone’s cost or trainers is particularly concerning.

How many people did you watch them talk to?

Better than them trying to sell you drugs or mugging you.

Maybe you needed to be there but they weren't being nice. They were definitely taking the mickey. Would it have been OK if they were a few years older?

Were they particularly awful trainers? Some people have truly horrible taste and teenagers aren’t famed for their self control.

I also can’t tell from your post whether these boys were being sincere or disingenuous so I can’t really comment

Innit. Don't give them the satisfaction

I genuinely don’t understand how an 11/12 year old boy saying he likes your shoes is intended to make you feel uncomfortable.

This. A cheery, oh thanks lads, and moving on.

I've had this before too, except in my case the comment about me was directed to my DP, "Is that your wife? She's gorgeous."

1. I'm not gorgeous in any shape or form
2. It's misogynistic and meant to be unsettling

I didn't as suggested here - big smile and a thank you, as though they were being deadly serious. It's totally dickish though and if they were my sons, I'd be having serious words with them about not being little twats and leaving women alone.

I would have stopped, looked at them and said 'Do you, now?'

They were on a wind up.

Come on people, 11/12 yo boys do not decide to take notice of random women's clothing as they walk past and make complimentary fashion comments because of their interest in women's fashion or what other people's Mums wear.

Well if you really think they're taking the piss, to be honest in this particular situation I'd have just ignored it anyway

I'm a secondary school teacher. There are occasions when it is a compliment, but normally it's to unsettle you/get a reaction.

You are massively over thinking this OP.