Last summer I turned 18-years-old, which legally allowed me to get a tattoo. However, as a young adult, getting a tattoo may come with some stupid questions from those who are more old-fashioned. In this day and age, more and more industries are dropping the stigma in regards to tattoos and piercings, as it truly has nothing to do with your work ethic. However, I wanted to share some of the little remarks I’ve had to deal with since I got my first few tattoos and piercings, and how to respond to them.
“Think about how that will look when you get older. Won’t you regret it?”
I am not living for when I grow old. I am living in the present, and I want to love how my body looks now. I try not to have any regrets because that means at some point, that thing made me happy, and I won’t regret something that made me happy at one point.
“What do your parents think of your tattoo(s)?”
Quite simply, I don’t care. I don’t need anyone to validate my life decisions by liking them. I got these tattoos for me, and nobody else.
“Why would you do that?”
Well, why do you get your nails done? Go to the hair salon? Get your eyebrows done? Go to the gym?
“You won’t be able to get a good job with those tattoos.”
Most places have a policy that allows tattoos and piercings as long as they aren’t offensive or excessive (head/face/hands). The old-fashioned generations are retiring, which allows for more self-expression as the new, modern bosses take over and allow things like tattoos and piercings. Besides, if they denied me a position solely due to my tattoos and piercings, I wouldn’t want to work for them anyway.
“That’s permanent, you know.”
**Jaw drops in disbelief** Wait, this is permanent?!
So overall, people are going to criticize you regardless, so just do what makes you happy. If that’s getting a sleeve, go right ahead, not that you need my permission. I only have 3 small tattoos, and I hear a lot of comments as if I care what people think. I’m basically wearing my heart on my sleeve, so who is anybody else to ridicule that? All bodies are beautiful, pierced or not, tattooed or not, and you should be able to do whatever you want with your body without having to worry about the judgment of others.
HCXO,
Kait <3