For men, a conversation is about the exchange of information, and that's all it's for
Need I comment on this being a rather sweeping statement? Ah, seems like I already have...please speak for yourself not your sex. This goes for everyone!!
I think there are many factors involved but the confidence thing hits home with me. I would not even call it confidence it's hard to describe, but if I am involved with someone and then meet another woman there is not the little voice in the back of my mind saying 'is she possible relationship material?' and feel much more relaxed. Not that I am a constantly stressing out that every women I meet could be a potential mate when I am single, but subconciously I think that must happen to some degree.