Much like fingerprints, no two individual’s are the same.

Everyone has them. There is a strange fascination in America with them. There are big ones, little ones, pink ones, brown ones.

You can pierce them, tweak them, clamp them, adore them. This is my tribute to the beloved nipple.

Recently I encountered a friend talking about nipple preference. I always thought nipples were nipples. I was wrong. Don’t get me wrong, I am aware that, much like fingerprints, no two individuals’ are the same, but I didn’t realize some are more highly regarded.

Some girls have very large nipples as big around as a dime, or as long as the first joint of your index finger. Some girls have very large areolas (the skin around the nipple, which is often darker but can also be very pale pink).

Nipples tan, too — the darker you get, the darker they get. Nipples are also very porous. They are likely to have bumps on them and on the areola.

Some women have very sensitive nipples. I have even heard a story about a woman who could have an orgasm just by nipple play. (I don’t know if it’s true.)

Some girls can barely feel touch, so they like the nipples nibbled or pulled. Don’t mistake a sensitive girl for a non-sensitive one — it could be messy. Sensitivity varies at different times of the month.

Big breasts don’t mean big nipples, nor vice versa. A woman can have very small breasts that appear to be virtually all nipple. Don’t let this fool you. Size of nipples doesn’t seem to play a part in sensitivity.

Don’t be offended if the nipples don’t pop up and say hello when you touch them. Not all react quickly or to light touch.

Some have hair — yes, it’s true. It’s actually not that uncommon, just not common to see in porn. This is not a problem, but if you overreact, you could make it one. Usually this happens in darker-haired, olive-skinned women. Some women pluck, but imagine how painful that must be!

One nipple can be more sensitive than the other. One could respond, while the other appears bored with nipple play. This is also not very uncommon, as a woman’s two breasts aren’t the same size, or her nipples may look different, so her sensitivity is not necessarily symmetrical.

Nipple piercings are definitely more common now than 10 years ago, but many people still haven’t seen piercings in places besides the ears. Don’t be frightened.

Be gentle if they’re new, or pull like hell if she wants you to. Don’t allow piercings to frighten you, and ask for a walk through if you need one. Communication is very important so no one gets hurt — if they don’t want to be.

Men have nipples. Yes, this is common knowledge, but I am always confused by their purpose on the male body. Don’t get me wrong, men would look silly without them, but I still don’t understand why they’re there.

The rules are generally the same, although I have never seen a man with large nipples. I may be sheltered, who knows? Men enjoy some nipple play, too. Don’t ignore them just because they don’t have a purpose. There are a lot of nerve endings there.

Nipples are a wondrous part of the human physique and don’t get nearly enough attention.

Not that anyone could, but please don’t forget about them. Nipples are as unique and special as the person they’re attached to, so let’s hear it, a shout out: Nipples, nipples, nipples!

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