"Am I the last person in the world with a belly button ring?"

Last week, it was brought to my attention that I have been committing a fashion sin of epic proportions.

I was standing in front of the desk of Mamamia’s Entertainment Editor, analysing a pull in my top when I just so happened to expose my midriff.

Mid-conversation she paused, instantly spotting my belly button bar. It’s silver, with a diamante at the top and a bigger one at the bottom, if you must know.

And the look on her face can only be described as complete and utter shock.

“Oh, I didn’t know you have a belly button ring!” she exclaimed, before making the statement that broke my inner 16-year-old’s heart. “THAT’S A BIT RETRO.”

Listen: Goodbye, flower crowns. It was nice having you.

I was taken aback. This was total news to me. What do you mean, people don’t have belly button rings anymore? I asked myself. I tried to argue the fact. I insisted I can’t be the only person left in the word with a belly button ring.

Yes, I admit I got it when I was 16. Yes, I got it without my parents knowing (thanks big sisters). But can someone please tell me when the unanimous decision was made between females within my age group that belly buttons rings are well and truly out?

When did everyone drop them in the expired bin along with studded belts, halter tops and hoop earrings? Did the Belly Button Police lose my phone number, or not have my email? They didn’t even Snapchat me, dammit.

So as a fully grown 27-year-old, I did what any rational adult would do. I trapped the co-workers in my immediate vicinity into answering my questions. All whilst providing no context or explanation whatsoever.

It went something like this:

Valentina:
Okay I need your advice, because you’re with it and I feel like you could give me a definitive answer.

Michelle:
Hit meeeeeee.

Valentina:
Are belly button rings done?

Michelle:

Yesssssss. They’re out.

Valentina:
I hate all of you.

Michelle:

Hahahaha WHY?

Valentina:
I STILL HAVE ONE!

Michelle:
OMG dooooo youuuuu? Hahahaha yeah ,nah, they’re out. Soz. I love you???

The second co-worker I approached was slightly more considerate of my feelings.

Valentina:
Sophie. Are belly button rings out?

Sophie:
Of fashion? Yes?! I’d say so! Why? Do you have one or want one?

Valentina: 

I have one.

Sophie: 

Hahahaha awwww. But you got it when it was cool!

Valentina:

When did this happen? Seriously. Am I the last person in the world with a belly button ring?

Sophie: 

Yes!! It is out :(

Valentina:
I’m so sad right now. I feel like I have to take it out.

Sophie: 
Noooooo. You do you.

I held onto the question all afternoon. I thought about it over dinner. I thought about it before bed. I thought about it while getting ready for work the next day and during our morning editorial meeting. I even raised the question with a wider group.

I was determined to get a different response because, surely, the people I had encountered the day before were all skewed in one direction. But much to my disappointment, I was met with a unanimous and unscripted laugh.

So the question still stands. Are belly button rings really out?

Valentina Todoroska is The Deputy Head of News at Mamamia. You can follow her on Facebook here.