First and foremost, I want to be clear that this article is not directed at all men, just those who catcall.

It's time to talk about catcalling. Yes, that word, that has sparked many debates over street harassment and objectification versus being polite and complimenting. The difference between a compliment and a catcall can be overwhelmingly gray, which is why so many women can have a hard time explaining why it makes them uncomfortable, while so many men don't understand why they shouldn't catcall.

Catcalls are not compliments. They are unwanted, suggestive comments about a woman's body and appearance. Compliments are supposed to make somebody feel great themselves, not insecure. Catcalls coming from a stranger like, "Aye, your butt looks fine in those pants," isolates the woman because it singles her out in a crowd, plus with this coming from a stranger, it sounds totally creepy. Guys are not boosting her self-esteem, but they are degrading her and making her feel unsafe.

Additionally, catcalls are about objectification and entitlement. Hollering at women is not being polite, but dehumanizing and disrespecting them. Not to mention pet names like sexy, baby, and sweetie are not flattering, but they are also degrading and patronizing. Furthermore, men are not entitled to women's bodies or to tell women that they look great today. When a man hollers suggestive comments about a woman's body, it implies that he sees her as nothing more than a sex object. Whereas, if a guy compliments her hair, for example, it is a bit more personalized and shows he sees her as more than a pair of boobs. The bottom line is that women do not wake up in the morning and pick out what they are going to wear wondering if any strangers walking past them will tell them they look fine today. Therefore, men do not need to tell women they look great today because they are not looking for, what many guys believe to be, compliments. Women are simply trying to get through their day.

The best course of action men can take when they feel the urge to holler at a woman is to simply not. So then, what should men say or do if they want to start a conversation with a woman?

Go back to the basics. If men lose the mentality that they are owed anything in return for "complimenting" women and treat women as other human beings, it's not that hard to start talking to her rather than talking at her. It's important to make eye contact with her instead of just staring at her body. Lastly, be aware of your tone of voice and be sure it is more friendly and charming instead of dominating and suggestive.