I think it's about developing the confidence or "aura" so people
like them wouldn't mess with you.
I work at my mom's bubble tea and I see tons of paikia everyday, I
think paikia or not.. Kindness begets kindness, if you started off
humorous with them, they would have no reason to mess with you.. I
get to see ah bengs from sec school to lao bengs working there..
and more often than not, they had been very friendly and
respectful..
I would rather play the friend than to offend anyone, to start a
fight at my age is like silly. But my rules of engagement still
stand, attack when attacked 
After all, they don't want to mess with a TKD Dan 2 with 4 years
background in boxing 