Why is it that we allow the negative comments and attitudes of people (who may have zero relevance to our life) get the best of us?

Back in November, I got my tragus pierced because it was something I had desired to have for so long. Unfortunately, the piercing has developed a bump around the area that doesn’t cause much pain but still remains an annoyance four months later.

Shorty after getting it pierced I went back to the parlor and asked the gentleman who pierced it if he could switch out the earring to a smaller size, hoping the bump would disappear. The man, of course, covered in body modifications and called himself “Tuna,” said he didn’t recommend switching it so early in the healing process and that I should come back February-March.

Well as we know it, it’s the end of February and with the bump still thriving on aggravation I went back to the piercing studio hoping he could make the switch to a smaller metal.

Tuna wasn’t in that day so a different piercer had to take a look at my ear.

“Yeah I wouldn’t recommend switching earrings right now”, he said, “it could just cause further irritation and you would risk the bump getting bigger.”

A little disappointed by what the man had to say I responded, “well this is my second time coming back here asking to switch the earring and I just drove 30 minutes to get here.”

“No offense”, he said, “but your drive shouldn’t determine whether or not you’re going to switch your earring.”

But to me, it did matter.

“I’m sorry," I said, “I know I’m kind of going against your word but I’m going to switch it out to this earring please,” pointing to a small blue stud.

What came out of this man’s mouth next really threw me for a loop.

“Hey listen," he said, “if you don’t want to listen to a professional, that’s your own arrogant decision.”

ARROGANT?!

Yup, you’re right, I’m arrogant because I would like to get my earring changed that has been giving me trouble for four months.

Arrogant my a**.

Boy, was I rattled.

The thing is, I’m never going to see this man in my life ever again, yet why did I let his snarky comment ruin the rest of my night?

I think that when it comes to situations like these, we find ourselves so angered by the demeaning words of another because as humans we don’t like our egos to be ripped apart.

I, in no way meant to sound arrogant and would never want that man to think I was under estimating his knowledge about piercings. However, I hope that as soon after he replied so aggressively he took a moment to realize how unnecessary that truly was.