In the UK older women - such as myself, if approaching a strange man, male stranger, will stop at a little distance and make themselves known with 'excuse me' or 'can you direct me?'

Should the man be about the same age, wearing a hat and be willing to assist he would raise it just slightly and reset it, and then the woman would move a little closer so as to be able to speak in a normal voice.

If the man is hatless or has for some reason removed his hat then the slightest of bows conveys the same meaning. The woman will also make the same slight bow as she departs, and the man repeat the greeting gesture.

It is interesting to watch these courtesies amongst older people, in their 60 and older for the most part, as I doubt they are keenly aware of them.

I still recall the first time a man raised his hat at my approach (I was 19) and how I blushed, and how his eyes twinked to see it.

Anne the Pleater :ootd: