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?

Exactly. This reads like a middle aged man who is ‘confused’ about how to talk to women in the workplace and is scared they will be pulled up for being sexist. When most people are fully aware of what’s acceptable to say to people.

We’re the trainers Jordan air or Granny shoes?

‘Bored, lads? Good job school’s back tomorrow, hey?’

Is there a reason for this ageist bollocks?