A lot of people get a piercing when they're too young to fully think through exactly what they want. (Indeed, some people get piercings that they couldn't even choose for themselves, as one sees when people pierce the ears of babies and children.) There is certainly an upside to getting this rite of passage out of the way as a young child; you don't remember the pain, you can fit in, and any older relative who doesn't know you very well can always just get you earrings if they're trying to think of a gift.
However, the advantage of waiting a little longer to decide is that you get to really think through how you're going to decorate yourself in this way. Perhaps your hesitation is that your fashion tastes are more conservative, or your relatives or faith tradition frown on piercings. Perhaps you just haven't decided what sort of look you want for yourself, or what sort of space you want to fit seamlessly into. It's a permanent decision, so it's wise to think it through. Take this quiz that will help you identify where to start - at least when it comes to your ears! Let's get started!
Do you stand to inherit anything from any very old, very conservative relatives, who might be offended if they thought you were living an alternative lifestyle?
Yes, actually. How did you know?
I wish.
No, and I wouldn't change for them if I did.
Yes, my granny's house is very nice and she's definitely got a few more years in her.
