Bringing your question up on a whim might not give you enough time to talk. Invite your parents to have a formal conversation. Your parents will see how serious this is for you, as well as how much you value their decision. If they say now isn't an ideal time, set up a scheduled conversation with them later on. You could say, for example, "Hey, Mom and Dad. I have a question for both of you. If you're not busy, can we talk tonight at around seven?" Look through your notes and pick one of your strongest talking points. Tell them how much you loved your first piercing and how you've thought about getting a second. Let them know how much your respect their authority, and ask them what their opinion is. A sample conversation could look like: "Mom and Dad, remember how I got my ears pierced last December? Well, I want to get my upper ear pierced, too. I think upper ear piercings look really stylish and are low-maintenance to take care of. The last thing I want to do is get pierced without your permission. What do you think?" Your parents, especially if they dislike piercings, might have a perspective opposite of your own. Don't launch into a yelling match. Instead, listen to them. Let them know what points of theirs you agree with, and show them that you understand their point. Bring up your own points in response with a level and empathetic head. If they say tongue piercings get infected easily, for example, you could say, "Thanks for thinking of my safety. I know that tongue piercings are harder to take care of, but I've taken care of my earrings for two years with no infection. Plus, I looked up proper tongue ring care for the first six months." Even after explaining your points, your parents still might feel wary about multiple piercings. Maybe they feel like piercings are expensive, or maybe they don't agree with where you want a piercing. Try to meet them in the middle and find a resolution that works for both sides. If they're worried about the money, for example, offer to do chores around the house or babysit for the neighbors. Remember to keep your end of the bargain. If you forget, your parents may judge you as irresponsible. Even if you don't agree with your parents' decision, don't raise your voice or insult them. In most cases, your parents have your best interest in mind. If the conversation gets to heated, ask your parents if you can resume talking about it at another time. When you and your parents are upset, neither side is going to listen. Actions are just as important as words. Avoid rolling your eyes, scowling, or shaking your head at your parents.

Summary: Ask your parents to talk, when the time is right. Explain to your parents what you want and why. Validate their argument. Make a compromise, if your parents are hesitant. Stay calm and respectful.

You will need a prescription from within the last year to order contacts, so always ask your eye doctor for a copy after an exam. If you are considering trying to order contacts without an up-to-date prescription, know that online sellers are required to contact your doctor to verify your prescription. If they will, this offers the best of both worlds. You can purchase your contacts from your doctor and often pick them up the same day, while saving the same amount of money you would shopping online. Your eye doctor will usually be able to give you at least a pair of free contacts. Be sure to look online before your appointment, as you can sometimes find coupons online that are redeemable at your eye doctor for an entire box of contacts. Comfort and quality of vision are a main concern when buying contacts, but it is worth asking your eye doctor if there is a comparable, less expensive brand that you can try. Stores like Costco, Walmart, and Sam's Club have vision centers that can perform exams and sell contacts, often for less than your eye doctor. They also carry many contacts in stock, meaning you won't have to wait on shipping, as you would for an online provider. Online coupon sites offer up to 70% off on certain brands, and big-box stores and national eye care chains also frequently accept coupons. Vision insurance companies like VSP also regularly offer discounts and rebates on top brands, so be sure to check with your insurance before purchasing contacts. And don't forget to look for coupons for saline solution. Saving 2 or 3 dollars every time you buy a bottle can really add up by the end of the year. There are many websites that sell contacts for less than your doctor might, particularly if you buy in bulk. But you will want to make sure you are not only saving money, but also buying from a reputable company that can offer customer service or returns, if necessary. You want to be sure that the online seller you choose is capable of shipping your prescription quickly, and of handling returns if necessary. Before ordering, make sure: Customer service is available. This means you can get in contact with a live person if you need help or want to inquire about returns or shipping delays. Try their number before ordering. If you get an answering machine, you are likely dealing with a back-room operation. You know how quickly your order will ship. Smaller companies may take longer to deliver because they only stock the most common prescriptions. They offer returns. If you buy a year's supply of contacts and your prescription changes or your eye doctor recommends a different brand, you'll want to be able to return unopened boxes for credit. The ordering process is secure. The URL at the top of your browser should begin with https:// rather than http:// on any page that you enter personal information. The bureau can inform you of any complaints against a company and how they were resolved. There are many online sites that will compare prices from multiple seller, including Google Shopping, BizRate, PriceGrabber, Shopping.com and Yahoo! Shopping. When considering the price, be sure to: Include shipping and handling fees. Try entering large quantities in order to reduce shipping costs, but be sure to check the expiration date. Make sure you will be able to use all of your contacts before they expire. They may cost more than you think, due to exchange rates and possible import duties. Also, you will have fewer consumer rights if something goes wrong.
Summary: Keep a copy of your prescription. Ask if your eye doctor will match online prices. Get a trial sample of contacts from your doctor. Try a cheaper brand. Consider a big-box retailer. Use coupons. Check online. Make sure the company is reputable. Check with the Better Business Bureau if you are still concerned. Compare prices online. Be cautious buying contacts from overseas.