Why is there a need to tell a woman she is "pretty?" It's usually quite obvious and probably she already knows.

The character "Me" is a man, right?

"Cute" would work, too.

But can we still tell someone they look nice, or good, or like you’ve lost weight. I do it all the time when I see someone I know.. really, where are the boundaries?

I kind of like being complimented when I’ve taken some time to look good..at 70, I feel invisible but wasn’t always.

lost weight and he liked her outfit.

I told him personal comments about female co-workers are out of place on the job.
If it is a social situation that might be different. But he should keep his thoughts to himself from now on.

We can’t say something nice to someone. If it’s said with a sexual innuendo its out of line but a compliment is often just that.
Maybe I should just stay out of this.

Young women don't know if these comments are harmless or have strings or hidden agendas attached, especially coming from older married men. It makes them uncomfortable.

Spent over 40 years out there and sexism and harassment were rampant. I’m sure that’s still the case. But not everyone‘s a creep, thank goodness.

Good thing I’m 70 and out of it. Invisible.

When we were young it was rampant. High time that things are finally changing.
The point is, hard to tell at first who is a good guy and who is a creep.
And young women should not have to try and figure it out on the job.

If we're at work, it's certainly appropriate to say something that's both complimentary and relevant to the job. But is it really necessary to comment on the appearance of someone while we're on the clock? Why can't it wait until later?

look "nice today", I may as well just fucking die.

To your partner, your close friends and your intimate acquaintances. Say it to people whom you know will appreciate it.

I think the transition to a harassment free society is not an easy one.

You put it in very good terms.

the first one the guy is disturbed by it because he is homophobic and the second one says it is because it is his first time.

IMHO Men that are afraid to compliment other men are afraid of how they will be perceived when they do it...Is he gay?

And men who are afraid because someone compliments them is again a case of homophobia. Would the second story work the same if it was a woman complimenting a man?

When we can't even genuinely compliment people we are losing something in our society in my opinion. Of course there is a wide variance between Nice hat and woot sexy legs babe!

None of this stuff fits into nice little black and white packages and that is why Zero tolerance does not work.

"Homophobia towards gay men is rooted in the fear that another man will treat you like you treat women."