I have always been a little rebellious at heart...so I pierced my nose.

So crazy, right?

I grew up in a very small town with parents that were stricter than your average parents, and there was an abundance of times when the need to do something crazy washed over my entire being. I graduated high school, moved to Indianapolis and one of the very first nights of Welcome Week -- I found myself at a piercing parlor.

I winced a little (a lot) as the sharp needle pierced the cartilage of my nose, and there were a few gasps from my friends who had tagged along. Who would've known that I had just "ruined my face forever?"

It's true. There are still people in existence who believe I am unemployable solely due to a little metal.

And I'm fine with this. I love my piercings.

My dear 90-year-old grandpa tries to yank out my "bull ring" to prompt our every encounter, and small children ask me what happened to my nose and for whatever reason -- many people make very harsh assumptions about me as an individual.

"Do you listen to death metal?"

"You'd be so pretty without that ring in your face."

"So, are you into, like, gothic dudes?"

"When you're old, boogers will shoot out your nose."

No.

I hate you.

No.

And what?

Stereotypes are ugly, people. You are beautiful and your piercings are beautiful. Be unique and don't let bitter words get in the way of that. Be yourself, love yourself and take criticism of your appearance very lightly.

*Hater blockers*