Ha - I've just remembered. When I was about 27 I was going to see my bf who lived in Brighton. I'd fallen over the day before and taken the skin off about half of my palm. The damn thing was throbbing like a migraine, even all bandaged up.
Anyway, I needed to go for a wee, and on Victoria Station that means you have to pay. The attendant wasn't answering the bell, so up came back up the stairs and asked people if they had any change. I had a pound coin in my hand - I wasn''t asking for money. I was young, well dressed, really quite attractive
and it was about 11.00 on a Saturday. I think it was the fourth person I approached who listened rather than blanking me and walking past.
It really shocked me - I'd been mistaken for a beggar!
Then again, I did the same to another woman, walking through Leicester. I could see her looking at me as I walked along and thought, "Damn, she's going to ask me for something." I considered pretending to take a phone call or something, but figured I'd have to face it out. Turns out a button on my shirt was undone and she wanted to let me know. She had no idea what I'd been thinking, but as I walked off I burned with shame for mis-judging her.