Living in New York, it’s common to get a street shout-out: “Hey shorty” in Bed Stuy, “Good Morning, Mami” in Washington Heights, or “Greetings, my Princess” in Flatbush. African American and Latino men often feel the need to comment when they see a beautiful woman walking by. Sometimes it’s flattering, sometimes annoying—especially when you’re not in the mood. In contrast, white men rarely engage this way, usually offering only a smile or nothing at all.

On a bright Monday morning, as I walked to my office looking sharp, I felt someone’s eyes on me. Then I heard, “Wow, you’re awesome!” from a white man. Surprised, I turned to see him smiling ear to ear. It was my first street compliment from a white man. I was genuinely taken aback, as this was not the typical behavior I expected. The moment left me curious: could things be changing?

Just two days later, my friend shared her first white street compliment experience. His approach was bolder. After walking by, he said, “You’re beautiful. Can I give you my number?” She was thrilled. It seems these gestures, previously uncommon, are starting to appear more frequently. The appreciation was genuine, direct, and unexpected, which made the encounter exciting and memorable, showing that subtle shifts in social behavior might be emerging in the city streets.

I’ve always known white men who value women of color, but street compliments weren’t part of their style. These recent experiences suggest a shift. Perhaps the cultural norm is slowly evolving, and more men are expressing admiration openly. It’s refreshing to see direct acknowledgment of beauty outside typical expectations. While it’s still rare, the streets of New York may be seeing the beginning of a new wave of compliments and appreciation across racial lines.