Hi Del! Hey qwerty!

Just wanted to say I agree 100% with what Del said.

No one enjoys being stared at. I have women friends that complain all the time that guys stare at them. And I have done it myself. It doesn't necessarily mean that the guy wants to rip their clothes off and have hot monkey sex right there and then (though in some cases I would think it might lol). I think in most cases, it is the same as qwerty described. An admiration of something we find inexplicably beautiful.

But there is a name for it when one person does it to another. Leering. You know, the name doesn't even sound all that appetizing, does it? A stare that goes on just a little too long. People just find it creepy, unfortunately.

So, yeah, there is no sin in appreciating beauty, where ever it is found. However, social politeness rules out a prolonged look.

I am not sure that kids have the same anxiety attached to being stared at because they are used to being "watched" to some degree. But the adults around them most certainly do and will, and I can see some going into ultra-protective (or offensive) mode if they notice.

Like Del suggested, it is safer and just more polite to keep the looks brief.