I really don't think I'm risking "serious infection" by doing this. It's not healthy, I'll admit, but I've been doing it for years, since I was maybe 12 (I'm 20 now), and it's never caused an infection. My lips scab a little bit and tear easier when they're chapped, and that's all.

I know what I do isn't a "good" thing, but in eight years, I've never wished to harm myself in any other way. It may be an unhealthy habit, but it doesn't seem to be leading to more unhealthy habits.

So basically, I'm in this position: I have an addiction that's a little bit unhealthy. It isn't very dangerous and in eight years, it hasn't gotten any worse. It hurts only me and only a tiny bit for a short amount of time, but I enjoy the pain. I don't think the habit by itself is very dangerous. I'm more worried about whether it signifies something.

I'm not trying to discount any advice; I'm grateful. It's just that I really need to keep this in perspective. While it's not a good thing, I'm not ill, I'm not in danger, and my daily life is not being seriously impacted. It's an addiction, yes, but it's not exactly heroin.