It's not brave really, but it does take some amount of effort for me. I'm trying this new thing where I look strangers in the eyes. It's kind of a default thing for me to avert my gaze, you know in random situations like when someone walks into an elevator with you, or you happen to hold a door open for someone, or even just when you're paying for your groceries. I'm trying very hard these days to look people in the eyes, and smile/nod/etc. And also with beggers/pandhandlers. I used to just look away, and these days I will look them in the eyes and either give them something, or politely decline while still looking at them straight on rather than looking away.

It is freakin' hard. But I'm getting better at it!