I consider myself to be quite ordinary looking, but I have been growing my hair for 3 1/2 years. Even though it's tied back at the nape of my neck it's apparently quite a female tell as I get ma'amed fairly regularly in dude mode.
Yesterday, in spite of a one day beard growth, the cashier (60 something guy) at the sporting goods store said "may I help you ma'am...........er, sir". I responded simultaneously in my best basso "I can be anything you want me to be." Situations like this are embarrassing for the instigator so I'm pleased to have found a new go to line to gently take them off the hook. Hugs, Michelle