I had my ears pierced when I was around 8, and it was done by my mother using a not-disinfected safety pin, I think? I don't remember much xD So age & way of piercing might be why I still have the marks - although they have closed since I barely wear earrings. What you say about there being a special kind of first earrings is interesting, I didn't know that was what they were called. ("Abridores" means literally "openers", for those that might not know Spanish.) If you don't mind me asking, where are you from?

I regret getting my ears pierced so I admit that influences my opinion. The piercing job my mom did wasn't the best, and later I resented her forcing these feminine things on me because I've always been a tomboy. I guess I see it as more of a gender-expression thing rather than a cultural tradition - like putting on makeup, or wearing dresses vs wearing trousers. But it seems like it's different for you?