I am a bisexual woman and have been fascinated by tongue rings since the first one I saw in a porn movie. It wasn't the thoughts of using (or having used on me) the steel against various surfaces of the body. (Though it's not necessarily a bad thought...) It was just visually attractive... something unusual and unexpected. I wanted one immediately!
At A Glance Author janedoeinwi Contact janedoeinwi@excite.com When A month ago Artist Brent Studio Avant Garde Location Milwaukee, WI I had talked to my husband about getting it done. He immediately looked at me like I was insane. "That's sick," he'd say. "What would the family think?" My husband was one who worried more about what everyone else thought than what he really should have. Grudgingly, I put the thought out of my mind, but I still had a longing in the back of my mind every time I saw someone with one.
It is now several years later, and I am currently going through a divorce. One lesson I have learned in the process is to be yourself. People often say that, but it some times is hard to live up to it.
I began talking to several people I knew who had piercings to get an idea of where to go. I heard of several places, but Avant-Garde was most often recommended. One lady I work with went to high school with one of the piercers there, and said they were very health/sterile conscious, which was important to me. I sat for several weeks contemplating the act. I am 33, would it look silly? Would people think I am just trying to recapture my youth? Is this just one of those things divorced women do, something crazy? But I remembered, deep down I've always wanted it done, and admired everyone I knew who had the piercing.
One Friday I borrowed the phrase and "just did it." I left work and immediately went to the shop. My stomach was a little butterfly-ish... not because I feared the pain (I've had several surgeries, and given birth - NOTHING compares to that!) but just because I was delving into the unknown.
I walked into the shop and there were a couple ahead of me. I filled out the required form, showed my i.d. and gave up the cash. I sat down, listening to the girl that was after me. She was getting her tongue pierced also, and looking to her boyfriend for consolation. I had wondered silently how many people freaked out, or chickened out, at this point in time.
My name was called and I head to the back area. I met Brent; he was what you'd physically expect for a piercer... kind of big guy, lots of piercings and tattoos. He immediately put me at ease though. He noticed the t-shirt I had on with the logo of the day care I work at, and began to talk about kids and such. While he talked he had me gargle with Listerine, then marked my tongue. I went to the mirror to make sure it was where I liked, then sat back down to prepare myself.
The whole thing went a lot quicker than I expected. I sat and closed my eyes while Brent was still musing, felt a little pinch on my tongue, a little pressure while he was putting the barbell in, then he told me I was done! He told me the aftercare instructions, (Listerine, cleaning after I eat, etc) and sent me on my merry way. I walked out into the lobby area; the girl after me looked at me for reassurance, and I told her it was no problem. She looked at me like she didn't believe me, but I'm sure it went well for her too.
I walked out to my car, and checked myself in the rear view mirror. WONDERFUL!! I loved it. Part of me also felt a little evil satisfaction, I knew it would tick off my ex-to-be.
The first couple days it was a little sore and swollen, but I kept up with ibuprofen and that worked well for me. I also was sure to bring Listerine with me wherever I went (including the Motley Crue concert I went to the next night!) After about day 5 the swelling was gone. It was a pain eating for a few days, but I learned to chew on the sides of my mouth.
I love showing it off, and love searching for different types of barbells I want to purchase. I feel like I am starting to get in charge of my life again and what I want. I also just had my second piercing that I always wanted done - my nostril! (And to answer, my ex-to-be wasn't too offended by the tongue ring, he asked me to "demonstrate" it for him... yeah RIGHT...) My suggestion to anyone who is wondering if they should do it: ABSOLUTELY!!!!!