Interesting topic... I think it all comes down to two things. Women behave differently from men for a lot of various reasons. We've been raised differently. Our daddies taught us to be VERY VERY careful out in the big mean world and especially in the company of men. And they're VERY right to do so. I'm sure all the guys here who have a daughter understand. There are a lot of good guys out there, but there are an equal if not greater number of not-so-good guys. The other thing is that people hunt for different reasons. For some, it's a social thing- and whether it's metal detecting, hunting point, dump-digging, there's an official club for it, or people just decide to get together to do their favorite hobby. For others, it's a solitary "alone time' zen thing. I belong to the second catagory. Having worked in the restaurant industry for over 25 years, my world is loud and full of people both friends and strangers. My relief comes when I can walk alone outside in God's beautiful landscape, gather my thoughts, pray, sing or hum a little... It's sacred time, really. But I make it a point to NOT put myself in a populated area-- so as to avoid exactly what I'm Not looking for-- company. I won't be rude if confronted, but I don't like being watched, and I won't detect for long if someone's lurking w/ no purpose other than watching me (yes, they could also be watching something else, but I don't know that). I've been known to pack up and leave if I don't have a good 'feeling' about the situation. So, I think, in this instance, you should try not to take it personally ('rude' is a word which explains why someone has taken offense-- which is personal). The world can be a dicey place sometimes. We do what we feel we should or must-- so our grandchildren have time to get to know us! My life and my sanity are worth more than any treasure in the universe, because they are reflected in my grandsons's eyes...
Interesting that such a 'simple' issue of perceved rudeness can actually go much deeper, eh?