Getting yourself pierced is a wonderful form of self-expression. It can change the way you perceive yourself, and that's invaluable on its own... But let's face it, almost every pierced or modded individual has had an awkward run in with somebody who just doesn't understand "why you'd do that to your body." Getting pierced isn't for them... We get it. But don't let their unwanted opinions stop you from living your best life!

Sure, we can hide industrial bars and nipple rings if we want, but someday, someone might be rude enough to make a nasty comment about a visible mod that's hard to cover, like a septum ring or vertical labret. But let's be real - if we're tough enough to handle a needle being pushed through our bodies, we're tough enough to handle a closed-minded comment or two.

We're speaking from experience on this one! Our #1 suggestion is to just ignore the people who stare, but may come a day when you get put on the spot and have to blurt out a response Here's a list of some of the most annoying comments and questions that we've gotten as pierced/modded individuals and how to handle them with poise.

Question: "Didn't that hurt?" or "You must really like pain."

Answer: Yeah, it did... But it was worth it!

"Didn't that hurt?" isn't quite so offensive - just a little invasive. This one is super common, and because of that, a short and sweet response will do just fine.

It's when they imply that you're a sadist because you were brave enough to sit through a tiny pinch... That, coupled with an ever-so-telling face that seems to imply confusion or disgust. Calm down, world. It was a 30 second procedure, and now, I have a beautiful body mod.

In that case, "Yes, piercings hurt." will suffice. Next question.

Question: "Aren't you too old to have *that* piercing?"

Answer: No? Anybody can be pierced.

Okay, what?

Piercings are not just for moody teenagers. And for that matter, there's nothing wrong with being a moody teenager and wanting to be pierced. Even non-moody teenagers should feel good getting pierced!

The art of piercing and body modification has been around for literally thousands of years. It's a tried and true method of self-expression, creativity, and beauty performed on people of all ages and identities. If that's too long-winded of a response, just turn around and walk away.

Question: "Why would you ruin your face/body like that?"

Answer: Beauty is subjective.

Implying that a piercing or tattoo has "ruined" your body is just about as rude as it gets. If someone has the gall to say something like this, we recommend removing them from your lives immediately... But if that person happens to be your relative, we have a scientific response prepared.

"Beauty is subjective" is the perfect response in this situation. Beauty is a complicated subject (don't get us started)... Although there are commonly-accepted standards of beauty and aesthetics, no two people will find the same things attractive or aesthetically pleasing.

This is as true for body jewelry as it is for hair styles and clothing trends. To each their own.

Question: "Can I touch it?"

Answer: You can look, but don't touch!

Are you kidding me?

A big part of piercing aftercare is learning not to touch or fiddle with your piercings. A dedication to hygiene and care is integral to keeping your piercings happy and healthy.

In what world would a freshly-pierced (or fully-healed, for that matter) individual want someone else's hands poking and prodding their body jewelry? Nobody knows where your hands have been!

We get that some people are mesmerized by shiny things... Others might not understand that piercings require upkeep and care. Either way, encourage these people to keep their hands to themselves and simply admire your body mods from a safe distance.

Comment: "I liked you better before" 

or

"You'd be so pretty without that metal in your *body part.*"

Answer: I liked you better before you asked me that question.

This one is probably the worst of the worst - the accuser is implying that you were worth more or were "more beautiful" before you went and did something to your body that they disagreed with.

You didn't pierce their nose with nose rings. You're not putting a septum ring in their face. You didn't force belly button rings upon them. And because of that, it's none of their business.

In this case, feel free to let that person know how incredibly rude they are, or smile and laugh it off. Either way, at the end of the day, you're the one who has to love your body jewelry.