GM in looklisten's neighborhood

Walking past the local Catholic school this (Friday) afternoon, I noticed a small group of girls, four I think, I'd estimate around preteen through early teen, in uniforms that showed off their legs, some with, some without stockings. I don't really know these girls but I pass this area often. (One of the bare-legged girls was in an interesting posture raising one of her legs standing in her short skirt, and I observed her and the group in passing.)

I expected either to be ignored or treated in a guarded or indifferent manner, but I guess they had noticed me around before. So the girls said hi to me, greeted me pleasantly and said that they'd see me later as I left.

This hasn't happened before. Once, when I was coming home carrying an awkward assortment of things, a group of girls near the school laughed at me with some degree of derision when I dropped one of my bags. I was pleased to have their attention. There was another incident in which some kids made fun of me by the school, I think mainly boys but in the company of girls. I reacted mildly and with some offbeat wit.

My neighborhood seems a warmer place now.