I don't worry about being creepy, but a weirdo, if that makes sense. I'm very open and outgoing when it comes to general interactions, and where I come from it's normal (and considered a good trait) to smile and say hello, make a bit of small talk when out and about, and not take oneself too seriously - or at least not swan about and be obvious about it. Also: not passive aggressive.
But where I am now, a lot of people consider that weird, or at least laughable. So I've become pretty self-conscious about my natural inclination and how it will be received. Which is often not well received at all. I'm not talking about assailing random strangers with a huge sloppy grin, I'm talking about stuff like:
Would you like to go ahead of me in line? (when they've got maybe one item and I've got a crap load)
What a cute dog.
Good morning. (passing someone in my own neighborhood)
Or a just a small, self-effacing joke when I've done something goofy like present the ticket-taker with a snacks receipt instead of my ticket.
Of course there are people around here who are exceptions to the rule, and they make me feel better, but the key word is exceptions.
I find myself withdrawing now. I come alive when I'm back east in or up north. Kinda sad, really.
Tiina - I'd say that old lady was the creepy one, based on her reaction. Wtf?