I think this mostly comes from being less than totally confident socially, or perhaps even having some social anxiety.
To my knowledge I've never accidentally harassed somebody and can't imagine it happening. But it's still something I worry about because I'd really hate to do that to somebody.
It just adds another layer of concern onto an already somewhat uncomfortable proposition.
I even found one of my good friends (who is female) by offering help in a CS lab. I still worry about these things, and all things being equal, I know I have and would ask a question of the guy sitting next to me rather than the girl. It's just easier.
I think this mostly comes from being less than totally confident socially, or perhaps even having some social anxiety.
To my knowledge I've never accidentally harassed somebody and can't imagine it happening. But it's still something I worry about because I'd really hate to do that to somebody.
It just adds another layer of concern onto an already somewhat uncomfortable proposition.
I even found one of my good friends (who is female) by offering help in a CS lab. I still worry about these things, and all things being equal, I know I have and would ask a question of the guy sitting next to me rather than the girl. It's just easier.