I know it's Halloween and everything, but NO, this is not a costume!

I have become a "Ma'am".

I was at Starbucks today ordering my iced green tea when the sales clerk called me "Ma'am".  Again. I am trying very hard to let it slide, though I must say the thought of a tip gave me pause.  At what point do we crossover from "miss" to "Ms" to "Ma'am?"  I really am trying to age gracefully but unless you are from the south the "Ma'am" thing just doesn't work for me.  As I waited for my drink I watched to see who she called "Ma'am" and who she didn't.  The young women, say 15-25 were simply addressed as "you" as in "Can I help you?" The women aged 25-30 or so were sometimes "Ma'amed" and sometimes not.  Maybe it depended on what they were wearing?  Once you hit 30 or so, it went straight to "Ma'am".  No fucking around.   And the men were simply dealt "Sir" no matter what age. Why is it that "Sir" doesn't have the same sting as "Ma'am"?  The "Sir" thing is really just a pleasantry. A formality.  The "Miss", or "Ms"or "Ma'am" all have age related values.  Actually?  I prefer "Madame".  I think the french have it right.  At least there is some elegance to that.  Next time I go to Starbucks, I will inform the "Mademoiselle" that I prefer to be called "Madame", or better yet, maybe I will introduce myself?