[PSY]

Bumble Bee summed things up pretty well, so I don't have much to add. =) While your parents ARE being fairly ridiculous with their demands/threats, the bottom-line is that they have every right to withdraw their financial support if they're dissatisfied with what you're doing. Would you rather pay $25 for a piercing now and pay $25,000/yr. in tuition/living costs, or bite the bullet and cater to your parents until you're able to become financially independent? Like Bumble Bee said, there are a few options you can consider. One would be to get the piercing and remove the stud/ring when you're around your parents. Another would be to let things cool down, then have a calm discussion with your parents, asking them what their specific concerns are about you getting a piercing. For example, the piercing may not just be a piercing to them... it may be a sign that you're going down a slippery slope, heading toward a lifetime of drug use and sexual promiscuity. *GASP!* If that's the case, then it could be helpful to discuss things in greater detail with your parents, so you can ease their worries and reach a more reasonable compromise. =)