Age will have something to do with it. I wouldn't be put off if a woman of any age complimented me on something. I just say 'thank you' politely and move on.

But since 9-11 we do seem to have a cultural sunburn....the slightest thing sets them off. We have 5 pages of words and sayings we can't use at work, to customers or coworkers. Sayings like: 'master bedroom' or 'takes the cake' (slavery), 'circle the wagons' or 'long time no see' (indigenous)

So being an old guy, I don't say anything and have no connection with others. Even if someone asks me to comment, I just say I'm not allowed to answer that question.