It’s not weird at all. Just didn’t register with me before that there might be multiple reasons why people do it.
For context: I happen to look very nonthreatening. Literally no one is scared of me, ever. For better or for worse. That doesn’t even apply to most women, I’d say. So, if I’m not consciously thinking about it or someone tells me, I won’t notice details like that. It’s honestly good to know.
Guyfriends told me before that they do the crossing the street thing. Or walking a bit faster at night to get past me. I noticed people do that sometimes. Never noticed the former (which might mean it just works) and I very much appreciate the latter.
Just happy that more and more people develop some awareness for this stuff.
As for the humming: it certainly helps prevent jump scares I guess. Since some assholes also whistled or hummed at me before, only to try and get my attention, I’ll still very much ignore men who do that, just in case.
Knowing the reason, I’ll recognize and appreciate the gesture as a nice one in the future though.
Said it before but: The assholes in the world ruin it for the rest of us. Good on you for keeping an eye out. I do it too, it gets exhausting though.