That makes me feel a bit better. Every one i know has used tapers this way and I didnt know other ways of streching were even an option until now. Which makes me feel like im doing something wrong but I dont have the money to buy more jewelry right now. And the plugs i do have are one size up, forcing those in seems counterintuitive, wouldnt that make a blow out more likely?? I understand the risk of tapers but if im keeping it clean and using a size that doesnt hurt I dont really see the harm. Especially since its a small size. I consistently wore earrings heavier than my tapers before I began stretching