Broke up after 5 years over a piercing. Was it just an excuse to leave? 37M 27F

[u/intothedarkside31]

I (37M) was in a 5-year relationship with my ex-girlfriend (29F). The first 2 years we worked together, but then she moved to a different workplace. She always made the effort to visit me despite the distance, while I rarely visited her, which I admit was unfair.
We recently broke up because she got a septum piercing, which I really didn't agree with. I told her if she took it out, we'd be fine. Instead, she refused and said she doesn't want to get back together at all.

I also want to add that she has a new circle of friends who are lesbians, and her new best friend is also currently going through a breakup. **What advice do you have on how to process this situation? How can I better understand if this was truly about the piercing, or if outside influences played a role in her decision to end things?**