Dear Jellybean,
My 16th birthday is coming up soon and I really want to get my nose pierced. I've begged my mom so many times to let me get it but she keeps telling me no. I told her that on the day of my birthday that I'm going to get it anyway and she said I better not even try it. I just want a real tiny one and I don't know what's the big deal to have one. My mom said its because later I will regret it but all I have to do is take it out! How can I convince her to let me get one.
Dear Writer,
First, don't go and get pierced without your mom's permission. It may seem like a good way to get what you want, but you could set yourself up for weeks or even months of punishment and resentment from your mom.
I know you've talked to your mom and begged and pleaded, but maybe you need to ask her in a different way. Start by doing some serious research about nose piercings. Find out how to find a reputable piercing place that knows what they're doing, how you can prevent infections once you have it, how long it takes to heal if you take it out, etc. Then, go to your mom and share your knowledge on the subject with her. This will prove to her that you are serious, that you are aware the risks and how to take care of a piercing, and make you seem more mature about it.
If your mom still says no, you will just have to accept her decision. You're only 16, and have a lifetime ahead of you to get piercings. And in a couple of years, when you are 18, you will be going off to college, and you can decide what to do for yourself. But for now, you are living under your parents roof and therefore have to respect the household rules. Don't let your craving for one piercing get in the way of a nice relationship with your mom. A few more years won't hurt you!
