It is no secret that tattoos are becoming more socially acceptable and palatable by the general public. It seems as though everywhere you look these days, someone is sporting a tattoo whether it be a small symbol, or a sleeve. Although this may be true, sometimes when I get dressed, my first thought is, "I need to cover my arms."

Having two tattoos on my arms in plain sight, I know firsthand of the kind of judgement that gets passed. I have had multiple people tell me that it is "a shame" that a young girl like me would ruin myself by putting ink on my body permanently. I have been given countless dirty looks, I have been told that tattoos are not feminine, and therefore I should not have them, and I have heard a casual shrug of disgust at the sight of them. Essentially, people are very forward about disliking tattoos, and letting those who have them know about their opinion.

At college, the reactions are slightly different. Kids my age have a very different way of expressing their dislike of tattoos. Upon seeing them, I usually am told, "Wow! I would never get one, they're way too permanent," or, "I'd get one but I want to make sure I get a job." It is these comments that strike me the most, as I had always thought they would be more acceptable to people my age.

These people who decide to let me know how they feel about my personal choices, that affect MY body, are either unaware of, or completely disregard the implications of their comments. As a result, I am constantly assessing how my tattoos will be perceived in different situations to different crowds. I constantly consider if I should wear long sleeves to certain events and if I am seeing certain people.

This is wrong. It is the wrong way to go about your life in paranoia, and it is wrong to have to feel as though everyone in the room is judging you for a small form of self-expression. So, it is time to start thinking about my tattoos in a new light, and take the criticisms that people give me as a chance to inform them of new ways to think about tattoos as well. No longer will I sit in silence as someone confronts me as to why I would ever get a tattoo. No longer will I be nervous to go to a job interview in anything other than long sleeves. I am going to take the initiative to take a stand against those who have the audacity to do these things, and I encourage everyone to do the same.

Tattoos are not something to be ashamed of, and they are not "ruining" anyone's body. They are beautiful, harmless forms of self-expression and art. They are a part of you and help to define who you are. If you are someone who has a tattoo, flaunt it. If someone approaches you and insults you or your tattoos, take it as an opportunity to discuss why they have this mindset, and how something on your body affects them. Open the floor up for a discussion. This is 2016, and it is time to have a conversation about tattoos, so let's talk about it.