Airpod Tips Don't Come Off

Does anyone have solutions to getting airpod tips off? The nearest apple store is over an hour away, and I can't get the tip off of one of my airpods. I managed to switch the size for one of them, but can no longer get that tip off anymore either :(. I ended up ripping the silicone just a little bit trying to get it off. I've tried using paper towel/a **** for grip, a safety pin to loosen it, as well as carefully using a razor to try to pry it a little loose.

Why is this such an issue for me?