I have worked my ass off in different areas of customer service for the past 5 years, so needless to say I have had several conversations with people throughout my work experience. Some positive, a few negative and some that have me questioning ‘what the hell just happened’ after we finish talking.
The other week I had a man approach me as I was at my job and he asked me about my tattoo on my forearm. This is a common occurrence since it is in a visible spot I get comments pretty often. However, this one was a different type of conversation.
Instead of the usual compliments I get on the line work and the style that was done, this man wanted to lay down the law about how he felt towards my tattoo. He began with the same common remarks anyone who doesn’t like tattoos would say:
“Don’t you know that’s permanent?”
“Aren’t you worried about getting a job?”
“You do realize when you’re older it’s going to look awful”
All to which I smiled and nodded, because I have heard it all before.
He continued his lecture on how white women like myself would never have gotten tattoos twenty years ago, because it wasn’t seen as attractive and it’s all due to social media that women have began to get this interest in tattoos. I mentioned that my father isn’t a fan of tattoos to which the man responded that he wasn’t either. I also told him about my aunt who works in a dermatologist office and he told me how she must not be happy with me for doing such a thing.
To this man: Thank you for your feedback on my body and what you feel is right for me to do, it really does mean so much to me and I really really value your opinion. Thank you for enlightening me on this BRAND NEW information that tattoos are permanent, sure wish I knew that sooner! Thank you for telling me how you dislike my tattoo, I did get it for your approval, didn’t I? No really, thank you for all of the words you said to me. But next time, keep it to yourself. Your next lecture recepient may not be as thankful as I.