I am not a "oh isn't that baby cute" kind of guy. But when it came to my kids I didn't care about gender - a stranger should not be showing affection to my kids. There were some exceptions like the elderly couple across the street or when we sponsored special dinners for senior citizens but that was it.

I relate to kids pretty well and find it easy to do without any need to be touchy-feely. As far as other men being physical with kids, I'm fine with it when there's an established relationship or associated role that the man is in; otherwise, the thought of stranger danger begins to rise to the surface.

I've always had children wave or laugh when they see me. I have never alarmed anyone by responding in kind. The closest I came to a creepy situation was kind of the opposite situation. A 3 or 4 year old girl ran up to me in a store, grabbed my leg in a bear hug, and squealed, "Daddy!"

The only thing I could think was, 'Oh, hell no.' I made a hasty exit. I was 14 or 15, and having a child calling me daddy was terrifying.