What has this world come to?
As Whirlybird said, we have been brought up to believe that all men are rapists etc etc. However, that shouldn't be and isn't MY problem which is why I will still walk whereever and whenever I want. I do not see why my lifestyle or personality should be altered and subdued because of a slim chance that there will be a rabid axeman waiting for me along the tow-path. True, I may get attacked one day but, up until that time (which may never happen), I have had the freedom to do what I want since I understand that the vast majority of men are not rapists.
Similarly for you blokes. The vast majority of women would not dream of taking a legal action for harmless banter or a bit of flirtatiousness so carry on as you would be and behave naturally.
Next time you are teaching a bird to fly a Schweizer and carrying out the pre-flight checks, when she reaches for the knob that says "PULL FOR QUICK ERECT" have a laugh over it and release some of that tension that would have previously existed.