Want to know a not-so-secret secret about me? I love love, love body modifications. Piercings are my favorite body mod by far, which is probably obvious from one glance at me. My body is currently home to 12 piercings that are all as happy and content as can be.
(Related: What You Should Know Before Getting A Piercing)
But if there is one thing that can put a damper on any piercing lover’s day, it’s the constant questions and comments that come with being a pierced gal. When you have a lot of piercings, people think they are entitled to ask at least 20 questions about them. Let me let you in on a little secret: it’s really annoying to answer the same personal and invasive piercing-related questions over and over again.
(Related: Why I Got Microdermal Piercings?)
Want to know what’s a tad off-limits (and by “a tad,” I actually mean a lot) when it comes to talking with a pierced beauty? Here are 13 things you shouldn’t say to someone with a lot of piercings:
1. “You’d be so much prettier without all those piercings!”
A faculty member at my high school actually said this to me on my graduation day. It was so ridiculously rude! My piercings enhance my look. And I never asked for you to rate my beauty.
2. “Did it hurt?”
A needle ripped through a portion of my flesh, leaving a piece of metal in its place. So, no. No, it didn’t.
3. “No one will ever hire you with that.”
If someone won’t hire me because of how I look, they are missing out on one fabulous human being who just so happens to be studded for extra pizzazz. If they can’t accept me how I am, I don’t want to spend my time or talents on them!
4. “You’re going to look at pictures years from now and realize how ridiculous you look.”
I’m pretty sure 20 years from now; we are all going to be saying, “Oh my, ombres were SO not a good look!” What makes my piercings (or any trend) any different? At least I’ll know I was feelin’ my look!
5. “What OTHER piercings do you have?”
It’s none of your business unless I want to tell you. Also, you’re being really creepy.
6. “You must be a trouble maker.”
Okay, seriously? Newsflash! Piercings have no reflection whatsoever on a person’s personality.
7. “Can I touch it?”
No, no, no. You can’t. Getting a piercing doesn’t make me a personal petting zoo. If you want to fondle body jewelry, get your own!
8. “No one will want to date you with all those piercings!”
I just consider it a way to weed out people who are super judgmental. That’s a definite win in my book.
9. “So, how long are you going to keep it?”
I calculated this number down to the second when I first got it– only 678 days left! (Really though, as long as I still like them, you will find them in my body. No time limit needed.)
10. “You got pierced with a needle? Getting pierced with a gun is so much better!”
Please, no! Don’t! Getting pierced with a gun is super dangerous, and you should not do it! At all. Even for simple lobe piercings. Guns can damage tissue and mess with the sterility of the whole process. Even suggesting it as the best way to get pierced is bad!
11. “You’re too old to have [insert particular piercing here].”
Age is just a number that has nothing to do with whether or not a piece of metal can be chillin’ in my body. Okay?
12. “Why did you get another one!? Isn’t what you have enough?”
Why did I get another? Simple: I. Wanted. It. My body, my choices!
12. And, the worst: *stares you down and says nothing*
Your mom always said, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Well, she should have added in that saying nothing at all but still glaring at someone’s piercings isn’t practicing that little proverb. Keep your comments — and your stares — to yourself!
Pierced girls, can you relate? What piercing-related comments do you hate hearing all the time? Tell us in the comments below!