Excuse me...Ma'am.

I know I know....I am far from 20...but WAY too far from 70. For those people in this world that know me-I am whacky, have my nose pierced and love a good episode of "Jersey Shore", and I think farts are funny. So, why is it the first instinct of someone to call me "Ma'am"?? I do not fit the "Ma'am" profile. I was waiting in line at the grocery store....I liked the line that I was in....and someone with a store walkie talkie (how come anyone with a walkie talkie thinks they are of a higher calling?) said "Ma'am-there's no waiting in lane 12". I felt my heart creep up to my throat-have I crossed the threshold of "Ma'amdom"???....I felt like I was being herded like an old piece of beef into the "Ma'am" line. Am I losing my mind? Doesn't "Ma'am" refer to someone who clearly wears elastic waist pants, Holiday sweaters, and sweatshirts that say "My Grandchildren are my precious gems"? I had on a cap that was clearly of urban style, a lime green coat, skinny jeans (ok-skinny for me-I didn't need CPR after putting them on.), and I had my nose ring in, and was wearing a thong. Does any of that scream "Ma'am"? I don't expect to be addressed as "Hey Lady", or "Hey you". Maybe I am cleary the problem here...am I trying to act younger than I am because I fear the inevitable? Getting older?? I am 43...I have an 18 yr old daughter who makes me laugh, my hubby and I love being the black sheep of the family and we laugh at everything we are not supposed to. In the defense of the person who called me "Ma'am"...maybe it is a customer service instinct that just comes out. I have to remember that this person had no idea who I was. Age, I guess, is a state of mind and I shouldn't care what people call me. I should know who I am and that I'm crazy and don't act my age. If they think I warranted a "Ma'am" reference-then so be it. Ok-I feel much better now...that is all that needs to be said about that....besides, "Ma'am" is way too tedious to type out.