That's the conclusion of a new UK study, which found that up to half women are secretly pleased if they get wolf-whistles from builders or if a man in a car toots his horn at them.

However, three out of four men would not dream of complimenting a stranger or colleague for fear of being thought a pervert, creepy or that they are "coming on to" the woman, the survey has found.

Market researchers said: "It is a sign of the times that men can't do or say anything without feeling it will be taken the wrong way."

The study found that 80 percent women like it when male colleagues appreciate their appearance, especially if he is single, good-looking or the boss, reports a major newspaper.

Ninety-six per cent of girls love compliments from their partner, though nearly half respond with a wisecrack like "love is blind".