She Knew Exactly What She Was Doing

I am a young trans guy working as a cashier at a popular hardware store. I happen to have my ears gauged and I am wearing pink plugs. A young lady in her early twenties walks up to my register.

Me: “Hi, how are you?”

Customer: “I’m fine, miss.”

I deepen my voice and absently strokes my beard.

Me: “I see you found our pansies that are on sale.”

Customer: “Yes, ma’am, I did.”

Me: “Okay, I’m sorry, ma’am, but I’m clearly a guy. And I would really appreciate it if you would stop calling me ‘ma’am’ and ‘miss.’”

Customer: *Sharp tone* “But you are wearing earrings! Pink ones!”

Me: “Yes, but that doesn’t make me a girl.”

I finish her transaction.

Me: “Have a nice day, ma’am.”

Customer: “You, too, young lady!”