09/23/2026
Once again, I come to you with a pheasant scarf to discuss turning people down when they just want to feel pretty.
The navel absolutely comes with a level of vulnerability. For some people it’s just a normal day and they wear crop tops and show off their midriff all the time. To me, it’s one of many thousands of navels I’ve seen for anatomy checks. For others, it’s the first time they’re showing a stranger their bellybutton and it can feel like a judgment if they’re “good” enough or not… especially with teenagers that often tend to be quite body-conscious.
It’s not easy to turn people down and it’s most heartbreaking when they come in dressed up and ready and are not prepared to hear “no” and don’t even realize it’s a possible outcome! I try my best to explain why I have to decline in a straightforward and gentle way. If you’re thinking of getting a bellybutton piercing… come prepared for being turned down and an alternative piercing in mind and the conversation can feel a little easier (I know, it’s still difficult anyway).
