New male barista at Starbucks said, “You’re really pretty by the way”. Why would a guy say that to a random stranger?

[apple2]

I go to Starbucks almost everyday and ordered through the drive through. I never saw this barista before. We exchanged a few friendly words about my order and then he said, “You’re really pretty by the way" after I paid and was leaving. From a male perspective did he mean it? Do men say this often to random strangers? He was young and cute but I'm probably older than him at 33.

[nachosaresexy]

Sounds like he made the comment in a genuine & appropriate way. So...

1. He's not straight, and therefore it's naturally more comfortable to offer a compliment without other ulterior motives.

2. He's straight, he finds you attractive, he's confident enough to offer a spur-of-the-moment compliment, maybe wondering how you'd respond and if it might lead to something else down the road.

At the VERY least, maybe it's nothing other than a nice compliment. Take it at face value and hopefully it makes you feel good about yourself.

[apple2]

It made me feel good for sure.

[Screamsgutter]

Twenty years ago - it's a kinda bold compliment that coming from a younger man should mean something to an older woman, especially if he's not hard on the eyes.

In this day and age - it's a surprising, playing-with-fire event perpetrated by a young fool who's either brave or clueless and will be lucky if she doesn't react negatively by trying to get him fired because everything has to be reacted to ridiculously and taken to the extremes.

[apple2]

I don’t look older but his comment did make my day. I did not take it the wrong way at all!

[Screamsgutter]

I'm thrilled to hear that. Really, I am.

[Máiiréad]

I am sure that he meant what he said. Took him some courage to say that I am sure.

[FunkyMonkee]

Why wouldn't he? It's just a compliment. Nothing to get cheesed off about. It happens thousands of times a day in various places around the world!

[spartan55]

Hmmmm... why would he say that... Because he thought you were really pretty? The hell kind of question is this?

[OddBeMe]

He thinks you’re pretty. Seems like flirting with waiters is waived when girls do it.

[Koda1]

It's called flirting and a compliment. Get over it.

[DetroitBARISTA]

If this was in Detroit, that Barista absolutely thought you were very beautiful and was shooting his shit, and he is about 34.

[DetroitBARISTA]

Shooting his shot* lol.

[mark000h]

He thought you were pretty and took a chance.

[abc3643]

Because you're really pretty.

[apple2]

But do men say this often? It’s pretty brave.

[abc3643]

Not really. What's the worst that could happen?
Besides, it may work for him to get a date with you - if that was his intention.
Then again, (fake or not) complimenting a customer can lead to repeat business and better tips.

[apple2]

Thank you, I’m hoping he was genuine. I really don’t think he was trying to date me at all or have me come back. He was nice and I enjoyed the comment.

[Wise4myage]

He might mean it, or he's a natural flirt.

[Staximus]

Because he thinks you're pretty, smart guy

[PeterSmith1983]

Because he finds you really pretty

[emperor90]

Because he was being nice

[Anonymous]

So we all against compliments now

[apple2]

Oh not at all! I appreciated his comment!