Why do men always ask "What is your ethnicity?" before complimenting me?

[Curiouskitten18]

Depending on which of my two jobs I'm working at, I get asked this question anywhere from 10 to 50 times a week. It is always men who ask, and then after I answer they respond with "You're gorgeous." "You're very pretty" "Wow, beautiful combination." Every time.

Women do not do this, they will just politely compliment me. And for women to do even that is an occasional thing.

Why do men always ask my ethnicity before giving me a compliment? Simple Curiosity seems too...simple. Any other explanation?

[MarkMyWords]

Guys are fascinated by women. There are beautiful women from every culture. Then you mix two cultures -- and it can be even more amazing. They probably should not LEAD with that question, but I think you will find most guys are interested in the ethnicity thing. Why don't you post a pic and let us guess? Fun!

[just_the_way_you_are]

I honestly don't get it. I had a Persian colleague...exact same story with her. It was almost as if men were afraid to compliment her if she was from the "wrong" race.

[Anonymous]

You might just be one of those girls who only gets noticed becuase you don't look white, black, or Asian.