I have to be honest, I wouldn't ignore a gut-feeling. I was walking back from the subway one night (9pm-ish), and this one man was literally coming up behind me and not walking around me, so finally I turned sharply on my heel and looked at him as if to say, "Back the f**k up, buddy." And he acted insulted. He actually said, "You don't have to be so worried; not all guys are out to hurt you." So I walked on and called over my shoulder, "But you're not a woman, are you?" Like I was supposed to soothe his ego! He got the point.
I'd rather make Mr. Creepy fake hurt feelings (or even have hurt feelings!) than be sorry for being "nice," which I think a lot of predators rely on. I'd rather be a cold-hearted b**ch and preserve my health, body and mind...and do you really care if a stranger thinks you're "mean"? Trust yourself...the world tells women all the time not to, and I think that's a shame.