Well said. From a pre-fight tactics standpoint, it might be a higher-percentage technique to observe strangers'/unknown contacts' hands and waistband area. The only drawback is that he might jump to the conclusion that you are checking out his . . . package.The Annoyed Man wrote: nitrogen, just FYI, in gang circles, staring someone down is called "mad-dogging," and it is considered a challenge and a legitimate incitement to violence. There are parts of L.A. (where I'm from) that mad-dogging will get you killed fast. If the bonehead that gave you such a bad time the other night was a gangbanger, he might have misinterpreted your stare as "mad-dogging." Perhaps, particularly since you said you usually wear sunglasses, you might practice averting your gaze a bit when you are sizing up an area, and observing from your peripheral vision. The guy being observed is probably less likely to take it as directed at him.
Visual discipline is a complex, underrated skill; it is needed for safe driving (at any speed), marksmanship ("see what you need to see"), managing business and personal relationships effectively, discreetly sizing up unknown situations and potential threats, and not getting caught by your spouse/SO for appreciating other manifestations of Creation.
What to do about the Mafia Hitman look? "You're never fully dressed without a smile," comes to mind.