Whenever I get a new tattoo or people notice my older ones, there are always some immediate things that are automatically spoken. Tattoos don't make me some alien person and don't make me any less of a person than someone without tattoos. Chances are, if you do have tattoos, you've heard some or all of these things. And if you don't have tattoos, take this as a list of things not to say to someone with tattoos.

1. Did that hurt?

No, it felt like butterfly kisses on my skin. You're getting a needle dragged across your skin, of course, you're going to feel it. Watch this video below to get a better idea of what getting a tattoo is really like (yes, there's blood, yes, it hurts).

2. You spent how much on it?

Tattoos are artwork. You wouldn't spend 20 bucks on a painting in an art gallery, why would you spend 20 bucks on a tattoo? Work well done isn't cheap.

3. How will you ever get a good job?

Well, here's the thing. My tattoos do not define me as a person or my work ethic. Today, most companies don't mind employees having visible tattoos as long as they aren't offensive or suggestive of negative behaviors. So this is really not an issue.

4. Can I touch it?

Um...why? That's just creepy. You're just touching my skin. Which is strange. A tattoo feels no different than actual skin, except when it's healing and you probably shouldn't be asking to touch someone's scabby and peeling tattoo. Does that really look like something you should want to touch?

5. You're wasting your money.

Who cares? It's my money. I will spend it how I want. You don't have to get a tattoo, so you don't have to spend your money on it. My finances are none of your business.

6. What will your parents think?

Hmm...well, they are my parents so I would assume they wouldn't like me any less or view me as less of a person. Personally, my parents have tattoos and have no problem with them. Maybe other people's parents don't like them but very rarely have I ever encountered someone who was completely cut off by their parents because of a tattoo.

7. What do they mean?

Sometimes, tattoos don't mean anything--which is perfectly fine. Sometimes tattoos symbolize something extremely personal. We are not obligated to explain to you what our tattoos mean. We don't ask you to disclose your personal information to us.

8. You'll regret them when you're older.

Maybe I will and maybe I won't. But that's none of your concern. This is my body and I will decorate it in any way I see fit. Worst case scenario, I regret a tattoo and use it as a teachable moment for my future children if they ever decide to permanently mark their bodies. Does this lady really look like she gives a f*** about what you think?

9. What will your kids think?

*insert eye roll here*. Having tattoos on my body will not make me a bad parent. However, by having tattoos, I will be teaching my kids to be accepting of what other people decide to do with their bodies, unlike your parents who clearly didn't teach you manners.

10. You've ruined your body.

I haven't ruined anything and I shouldn't have to explain my choices to you. I've merely decorated my body. If you don't like it, that's fine. I'm not making you get a tattoo and you never have to get one. Just be accepting.

So chances are if you have tattoos you've heard one or all of these things! Leave some feedback in the comments if you've heard anything different.