How to deal with men thinking you’re hitting on them when you’re being nice

I work at a coffee shop and when I engage in small talk or give a compliment men seem to think that I am flirting with them, when I am simply trying to be nice and sociable. I have similar experiences when I’m out, not working. It just feels pretty icky, like I’m not able to have conversations with men just because I’m a woman. I’m sure this is a common occurrence, what are your thoughts?