I was at a store today with my significant other, rummaging through the clothing racks for some time while he was looking around somewhere else in the store.  
 
A guy came up to me who seemed to be about my age (I could be wrong). I'm pretty sure he was hitting on me when he was trying to find goofy/funny ways to strike up a conversation and keep it going.  
 
I'm not the most social person, especially with people I don't know well or who I don't approach myself first. I was very flat and short with my responses to his joking questions, barely looked up from what I was doing and acted serious. I didn't want to give him the wrong idea.  
 
Not to stereotype guys in their twenties, but I highly doubt he was trying so hard to strike up a conversation because he was interested in friendship.  
 
I guess what I'm getting at is.. was I being rude? I wasn't wearing a wedding ring or anything but I think it'd be a bit presumptuous of me to pipe up that I'm seeing someone when I'm mostly sure a stranger is flirting with me.  
 
I'm bad with this sort of thing. How do I politely turn someone down without coming off like a haughty, stuck up arse?

without being rude was probably the way to go as you don't want to give him the wrong idea. I'm terribly sorry but I do have to ask if this was at Winner's? lol  
There seems to be strange things happening in Brandon amongst the singles these days! Just askin!!

Most of the time it's harmless. Some people are just lonely or overly social, there's nothing wrong with him thinking you were attractive and wanting to chat. If he asks for a number or asks you out you can simply say you're sorry you're in a relationship. Doesn't hurt to follow your gut instincts tho, if you're getting the creeper vibe be short with your answers and get the heck outta there. I've had many a quirky jovial conversation with strangers that left my day a little brighter, and then I've had the weirdos that make you completely bail on what you went shopping for and heading for the car with keys in the ready position to take someone's eye out.  
 
But again, sometimes some people are just looking to be friendly ;)

..as I was at winners yesterday and today! lol  
 
Maybe college-aged boys have summer fever. :p  
 
I guess I needed a check that I was going about things the right way. When I was younger I was always a tomboy who could easily have a conversation with a guy. As I "matured" it caused me issues, because men would always take my down-to-earthness with them as a sign that I was interested.  
 
Edit: The missed connection at Winners post made me think to post this though.  
 
The way I was approached and the topic it was about was definately a guy approaching me for only one reason though. I've had lots of random conversations with strangers- this is the only one that left me feeling creeped out a bit.  
 
Always good to hear others 2 cents.  
 
Edited by Catberry, 2012-08-05 20:57:56

Catberry said "..as I was at winners yesterday and today! lol     Maybe college-aged boys have summer fever. :p     I guess I needed a check that I was going about things the right way. When I was younger I was always a tomboy who could easily have a conversation with a guy. As I "matured" it caused me issues, because men would always take my down-to-earthness with them as a sign that I was interested.     Edit: The missed connection at Winners post made me think to post this though.     The way I was approached and the topic it was about was definately a guy approaching me for only one reason though. I've had lots of random conversations with strangers- this is the only one that left me feeling creeped out a bit.     Always good to hear others 2 cents.     Edited by Catberry, 2012-08-05 20:57:56"

Ohhh.... I don't think it is just the "college-aged boys" with summer fever! We are of all ages on this site! haha

i agree with truthie, if he gave you creeper vibes you did the right thing, or you could have easily excused yourself to go look for your boyfriend lol otherwise random flits are no big deal, if you smile back men should by no way think your good to go imo

You can also work the old "name drop" in there too. Working a "my boyfriend and I" into the conversation is a good way to let them know you're not available if you're unsure of their intentions.

Always do the name drop as soon as you can. "My boyfriend and I" or "My husband and I" etc... That lets them know you are taken, and then they dont have to be heartbroke after. And it doesnt make you look silly if they litterally just wanted to chat, and was not looking for anything from you.

 
 
Edited by jason d., 2012-08-06 09:22:31

I make conversation and joke with strangers all the time. There is nothing more to it than be being friendly and liking to chat! I suppose if some guy takes it as me hitting on him then he obviously needed an ego boost.

from The Simpsons..... " I'm not gay but I'll learn."