Well said! I'm glad you persisted despite the off rebuff. I worried what you might say to the lady at the gym - I thought that might be the point at which your compliment was thrown in your face, but when you chose (wisely) to praise her dedication and poise, you chose well. ;) The first man sounds like a bit of a jerk, but the security guard - sounds like you made his day, and maybe made a new friend. Good for you!