I'm a nineteen year old male and I really want to get my ears pierced. The problem is that my mom is quite conservative and will be very disapproving. We are close and I want to respect her. What should I do?

I'm a mom and my then-15 y/o son wanted to get his ears pierced. Yes, he wanted to get both pierced. He wasn't a rebellious teenager - he was respectful towards me, so I agreed. He paid half and I paid half for the piercing.

If you still live at home and your mom has put parameters around this, such as no tattoos, no piercings, etc., then you need to wait until you are living on your own to do what you want.

Other than that, you can tell her that you know she doesn't want you to do this, but it's something that you've thought about and that you want to go ahead with it.

You can be respectful and disagree and the world will not end. I'm glad you are listening to your mother, but at some point, you need to become your own person. Good luck.

You are really an adult at this point.  She has to realize that you should be making most of your own decisions from now on.  It's unfortunate that she might disapprove, but if this is something you have thought through and want to get done .. That's your right.  You can tell her you respect her feelings but hope she will understand that this is what's right for you.  You aren't always going to have everyone's approval and have to learn to deal with that.  That's a part of growing up.

I think your mom should now respect your position as much as you respect hers.

After all, you are a legal adult.

yes you are an adult, and should be making decisions for yourself .. But .. Never take for granted or underestimate the powers of your family bond. 

If this is something you feel strongly about knowing she would be of an opposing opinion, then in all fairness and respect for your mother/son relationship talk about it. See if you can find a happy medium between you and your mom. That is what  two people who love and respect each other do .. Find common ground or at least a compromise.