Put a ring on it

I took my daughter to a park. The main area, where most people with kids hang out, contains a large pavilion and a substantial playground. Beyond that, there is a paradoxical combination of groomed baseball fields next to decrepit tennis courts. My daughter insisted on finding a puddle. Despite the recent rain, there was not a puddle in sight near the populated playground. So I suggested that we walk around and look for one. She was determined, and she set out at a toddler's pace to meander along the sidewalk, stopping to pick up sticks and rocks along the way. We hardly noticed the dwindling numbers of humans until we eventually found ourselves in an isolated convergence of baseball diamonds. There were no other people around within shouting distance - and still no puddles.

I noticed a young man walking toward us nonchalantly. For some reason, I thought it was a little odd to see another person way over here. He was looking at his phone, kept to himself, and went past. Not long thereafter, he came back, but this time he turned toward us. He didn't look too suspicious, but I was wary because he was certainly going out of his way to cross paths in our isolated location. He came near and noticed my daughter. "Aw, she's cute!" He had dark hair and a dark complexion, broken teeth, dark hair, well-kept facial hair, casual - but not disheveled - dress. He spoke with a middle-eastern accent, and he seemed to be about my age. Overall he seemed friendly, not creepy. He walked past us a few yards. 

Then he doubled back. 

Unsure of his motive, I picked up my daughter as he came closer. I made eye contact, but I kept my distance. 

As you read the following conversation, please remember that I was not dressed to impress. I was wearing dirty yardwork jeans, a plain unisex t-shirt, running shoes, and no makeup. I hadn't even showered yet. My only redeeming quality, appearance-wise, is that my hair was still slightly curled from the day before. My biggest omission, as you will see, was the wedding ring. 

Him (with accent): She's really cute.
Me (keeping distance, slowly backing away): Thanks.
Him: So are you.
Me (honestly not understanding him): What? 
Him: You're really cute too. Do you think I could get your number?
Me (caught off-guard, wondering if he is borracho): Well, I'm married...with a kid...so, no. 
Him: Oh. You don't look like someone who is married (whatever that means). So do you think I have a chance with you at all?
Me (not flattered): No
Him (seems sincerely disappointed): Maybe you could give me your number to have in the future, just in case there's a chance it could work out. 
Me (creeped out): Nope, I'm happily married. Have a nice day. 

We left, and he didn't follow. 

Even in my single days, this kind of uninvited attention from strangers has only ever come to me from drunk men in foreign countries. Singling out a person and using pick up lines might seem romantic or flattering to some people, but I find it somewhat revolting. I don't even know how to flirt, particularly with someone I have never met.

But, even in hindsight, I really don't think he was drunk.

So I guess I should remember to wear my wedding ring from now on.