Tattoos, piercings and body modifications: why?

[Nuytsia]

What right do I truly have though to stop her from chewing her nails if it doesn't really matter? She is in no danger. She isn't doing anything 'wrong'. She isn't causing herself or anybody else any harm. It really is more of an aesthetic or 'socially-acceptable' standard that I am enforcing, particularly as my eldest son also chews his nails and I gave up worrying about it many years ago. He's a male...who cares?...he's not expected to have pretty nails.

As a germophobe I say she could be in danger if she eats some germs

But hey I used to bite my nails as a kid and I just grew out of it.
In fact people complement me on my nice long natural fingernails, so maybe chewing them as a kid makes them stronger

@Nuytsia: Yes, my second set of holes are still open and visible despite not having worn earrings pretty much since I pierced them! Mine also didn't get infected at any stage, though my original set are prone to infection as I am allergic to silver.

Ahhhh