I just so happen to be one of those teenagers who takes a keen interest in tattoos and piercings. Ahh, I can almost feel the disapproval radiating from my disappointed elders reading this. However, as it turns out, it is possible to be a decent, and even successful and respectable human being with body modifications. Surprised yet? Well, you shouldn't be.

In our ever-changing society, the issue of body modifications is one of those that is slowly but surely becoming more accepted. That's not to say that everyone feels this way, though. I hear a great deal of commentary on my tattoos and piercings, some good and some bad, but below are what I would consider the most irritating of them all.

1. "Those aren't going to look good anymore when you're old and wrinkly!"

I beg to differ. Personally, I'd rather be old and wrinkly with some color than just plain old and wrinkly.

2. "What does it mean?"

I'll start this by clarifying that I do have several tattoos that are very personal and have a lot of meaning behind them. But for me to be happy with a tattoo for the rest of my life, it doesn't have to be of sentimental value. I only care that it is something I genuinely like, no matter what that may be.

3. "That's going to leave a scar when you take it out!"

This statement is referring to my piercings, which may leave a tiny, 1 mm wide hole after I take them out. Compared to my other scars from unaffiliated bumps and scrapes, that is nearly non-existent. Besides, who cares about a minuscule dot on my face when I have a big, beautiful watercolor half-sleeve to look at?

4. "A tattoo is such a serious commitment, are you sure you're not making a mistake?"

Yup. I'm sure. I've had most of my tattoos planned out for the last 5+ years. I do believe that is enough time to make a sound decision.

5. "Doesn't that ever get caught on anything?"

Of course a piece of metal sticking out of my naval is going to get caught on my waistband occasionally. No, it won't rip out, and eventually it becomes almost unnoticeable.

6. "Did it hurt?"

If I had to pick the worst, yet most commonly asked question about my tattoos and piercings, this would be it. Listen, a needle going through a chunk of skin or entering and re-entering your skin a million times is bound to hurt. Everyone just has to decide if the pain is worth it (obviously I believe it is).

7. "You better be careful, it's hard to get a job with those!"

Well, if you would kindly take a look at the strategic placement of my body art, you'll notice everything can be covered up with the appropriate clothing. Nothing above the neck line, nothing below the elbows. There is a reason for that.