As a male, I've gone through most of my adulthood assuming that before I even meet a woman for the first time or even engaging with them - the first thought going through their heads are "is this man dangerous? Is he out to get me? Why is he talking to me?" Giving them a wide berth, because frankly I can understand why those preconceived notions about people who share the same gender as myself could be perceived as malicious.

But, is it safe to assume that thought? I think that way, because of all the news people hear about what this guy did to this woman in wherever. I try to be as respectful as I can when approaching women, or at least not engaging with them at all out of fear of them assuming the wrong thing - which can be as harmless as saying "hello." Or maybe I'm just overthinking things? Genuinely, I am curious.