When did a man asking a woman to remove her headphones become an act of war?

This morning, many at Mamamia HQ were incensed by a blog post titled ‘How to Talk to a Woman Who is Wearing Headphones‘, and I am bloody perplexed as to why.

The post – written by a “relationship and dating expert” (of course) named Dan Bacon (delicious) – is apparently something I should be offended by.

Except I’m not.

Because even though this makes me the new office pariah, I’m kinda cheering.

You see, Mr Bacon’s article provides steps on how to ‘get the attention’ of a lady who is plugged into her iPhone/Android/never-disappearing-Gizmo so you can talk to her.

To my bewilderment, my co-workers were far from alone when they responded to the article with “that’s f-cked up.”

A response on The Guardian even went so far to slam Bacon’s piece as a “deeply-sinister guide” and a “delusion of psychopathic awfulness”.

But I completely and utterly disagree.

When did we become so anti-social?

Headphones are not some mystical human-repelling forcefield. Life doesn’t really work like that.

A dude approaching a person listening to Hamish & Andy isn’t some preposterous, outrageous concept that everyone needs to condemn.

If I’m deeply consumed in music and a man wants to ask me on a date, he should go for it. He has every right to spark a conversation with me and see if I’m interested, just as I am in every right to politely decline his offer. I would then expect he walks away, and plug right back in.

Mamamia Out Loud argue whether the headphone interruption is ok or not… (Post continues.)

Bacon even clarified this point himself at the beginning of the post:

“Of course, not all women are open to being approached because not all women are single and looking.

“However, if a woman wearing headphones is single and hoping to meet a boyfriend (or even a new lover), she will usually be happy to take off her headphones to give you an opportunity to create a spark with her.”

I’m sorry (not really), but if you are outraged by the suggestion that a penis possessor dare speak to you while you’re listening to 2008 Rihanna, you’re being a bit of a jerk.

WATCH: It’s sad how some aspects of the dating world have changed. (Post continues…)

Maybe it’s the romantic in me – thinking that men and women can meet in public places without it being seen as ‘Prey vs Predator’ – or maybe it’s just a frustration that good manners are hard to come by these days.

Because if you see someone you think you’d find a romantic connection with, OF COURSE you should approach them and see if they’re interested.

Our chances to find sweet, sweet lurve in this chaotic universe are limited – and if the chance arises for you to meet someone you might like you should take it.

Seeking companionship is not something to chastise. If you’re not interested, all you have to do is pull off your Beats By Dr Dre and say so.

Press pause, and give the person in front of you 30 seconds of your time.

Your headphones will be right there when you’re done.

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