Lessons in Cultural Competency: Starquirks

To lid or not to lid? You wouldn't think it would be that big a deal, but witness. In Toronto and environs, you'll lid your own drink at your local Starbucks. In Seattle (proverbial home of the big green mermaid), your drink is lidded for you by the barista. Unless you've brought your personal mug, in which case you hand the mug over sans lid.

This morning, in Lower Manhattan, I handed over my mug and was asked for the lid - "The coffee's hot, miss, and I wouldn't want you or the barista to get burned."

I'm so confused.