Treated differently because I had a helix piercing

[SeaSnakes]

I think this is bizarre. I had a helix piercing a year ago. My ears already have just one piercing on each lobe (as do many, many other people) but when I wear my hair back the helix piercing is noticeable (it’s only a stud).

people say oh I didn’t realise you had a piercing up there, but when I say I had it last year they seem totally surprised (I’m a middle aged woman) and quickly change the subject or say something along the lines of how unusual this is at my age.

The rest of my appearance is entirely smart, I am well dressed, hair done and minimal make up.

I feel sometimes that people find it unprofessional? I have a responsible job but feel I am being judged because of this piercing?

Anyone else experienced this?

I had to look this up, thought it must be something niche. It's extremely common.

Imagining it. I’ve managed to get to Director Level in my career with multiple ear piercings, my nose pierced, and my tongue pierced. Never had anyone comment, nor has it inhibited my work.

I get asked a lot if I have migraine, because both my daith are pierced. I do at out happens, but I also like piercings and have a total of 7 ear piercings, a nose stud and a vch like a PP.

I doubt anyone gives a fuck if you have a cartilage stud, more it's a bit of chit chat.

Is helix the top of the ear one?

Didnt we all get those in 1996?

Really. I have like 15 ear piercings and no ones ever commented.

Maybe it depends on the rest of your style. I mean, if you otherwise dress like Margaret Thatcher then I can see why it might surprise (but only just).

It's not even interesting

I have a responsible job and lots of ear piercings. My child's teacher does too in a nice private school. People in all walk of life are pierced. I have never had any kind of issue.

Wouldn't even give it a first thought.

You say you feel 'judged.' So what? Are the people 'judging' you people who really matter to you? If not, then it's meaningless.

What does that really mean? Someone 'judged' me. Of course, I know what it means but really you need to consider why, as a middle aged woman, you are so concerned that people are making assumptions about you. It really doesn't matter what they think about your piercing, as long as they treat you decently and fairly.

I’ve got it done so this baffles me as to me it’s entirely ordinary and not something anyone would comment on! Nobody has ever said anything like that to me. Same for having two piercings in a lobe. Is the jewellery you’ve got in it pretty spectacular? Or just a simple hoop or stud?

In what way are they expressing judgement towards you?

You got an oh so crazy piercing and people looked?

Being surprised is not really the same as being judged. And certainly not as if you are being judged poorly.
Be thankful that your friends feel comfortable enough around you to speak freely. Take their comments at face value.

If you wish to ask them why they are surprised then just ask them. Speak honestly to them like they are to you, they are your friends.

Late 40s dull professional job person here. Currently at 15 piercings (14 in ears including helixes, tragus conch etc and 1 navel). Definitely nobody cares work wise, I occasionally get comments when my hair is tied up but never negative- mostly asking which piercer I go to or where my jewellery is from.

I think you're being paranoid. They probably change the subject because there isn't much more to say.

For context I have a discreet but unusual ear piercing. Never had reason to suspect that it gives the appearance of being unprofessional.

It's a normal kind of comment, isn't it?

'Ooh, hello Sandra, did you have a new haircut? Lovely!'

'Hi Jane! Now your hair's pushed back I can see your piercing - when did you get that done?'

People say these things as pleasantries/casual conversation. It's not anything to worry about.

Don’t be ridiculous. It’s a completely normal piercing that could not be more mainstream. Its like thinking someone no longer thinks your professional because you decided to get a fringe cut - someone might vaguely comment on it when they first notice but then they’d never think about it again.

I work in quite a suited and booted office, and I have pink/orange roots, rhe rest is red, tattoos, many ear piercings and my nose and septum. I'm also a mum to a DD10 but I don't think it should matter at all. I am nice and do a good job! Xxx

Treated differently to who or what? You sound like you're just not getting the attention you think it merits, tbh?

im surprised you’ve had that sort of reaction, it’s a very common piercing.

I work in a corporate environment and loads of ladies have helix piercings

its a very mainstream piercing now - especially with lots of jewellery companies having collections for these piercings

i don’t think you should be worried

It's a normal kind of comment, isn't it?
^^
'Ooh, hello Sandra, did you have a new haircut? Lovely!'
^^
'Hi Jane! Now your hair's pushed back I can see your piercing - when did you get that done?'
^^
People say these things as pleasantries/casual conversation. It's not anything to worry about.

Do people really ask grown women when they got their ears pierced 🤣

I’m surprised, I’d have thought a helix piercing is pretty mainstream. I have a hoop in my nose, I’m middle aged and in a professional job but nobody says anything.

Honestly OP I think maybe you should take it out if it’s giving you stress that people are judging you. Problem solved

Yep!