Having recently separated from my ex. I have started to go out and party after the gigs I perform at rather than just come home and go to sleep or stay up reading or listening to more music.

As such, I've been quite social and smiling and saying hi to pretty much everyone.

A friend of mine, a girl, who I've known for years and years, is quite honest and open with me said "Can you stop that? It comes across as kinda creepy?" I'm a pretty smiley sort of person, smiling even at the worst of times. I don't smile with all my teeth showing and my eyes wide open like some sort of pervert, so I don't really get it.

My question is, how do you say hello to random women, without coming across as creepy?

I'm not trying to get into their pants. I'm not even ready to go there yet, but I'm sure eventually that will start to happen, I'm just making conversation and finding new friends. I thought "hello" was a good way to start. But I guess not.