Tattoo Critics,
Whether it’s the size of a pencil eraser or full sleeves, you always have something to say about my tattoos. It’s ridiculous, really, because when I was sitting in the artist’s chair, the absolute last thing on my mind was your opinion. Actually, the only thing on my mind was how incredibly excited I was and just how long I have been dying to get this done.
You see, dearest tattoo ridiculer, I’ve already heard it all. Every 'You’ll regret it,' 'That’ll be there the rest of your life,' and 'It’ll look weird when you’re old.' First of all, I’m not going to regret something that means a lot to me. Tattoos have an emotional investment that surpasses the physical commitment. Secondly, I want my tattoos for the rest of my life, that’s the point. They’ll look good now, on my wedding day and when I’m pushing a walker.
Tattoos make me more confident about myself. I think that they make my body more attractive, unique and interesting. They are there for me and nothing makes me happier knowing I will have them for the rest of my life.
My tattoos mean a lot to me. They are special in the fact that tattoos are the only part about your appearance that you can choose. They are pieces of artwork that represent my passions, loved ones, personality, struggles and life experiences. They are permanently a piece of who I am.
I knew exactly what I was doing when I decided to get my tattoo. I knew it would be there forever, that it’s permanent, that I can’t take it back. So please, don’t underestimate my intelligence by reminding me the consequences of a tattoo.
I really don’t want to hear about what you don’t like about them. Don’t tell me you don’t like the placement, coloring, message, or anything else you wish I would have done differently. If my reason is I just wanted it, that’s reason enough. My tattoo looks exactly how I wanted it to, therefore there is nothing I want to change about it.
There is so much about our own bodies that we have no control over. Every scar, birthmark, and physical feature that I am self-conscious about is part of who I am. My tattoos are just as much part of who I am, too. The pieces of artwork I choose to put on my body make me feel beautiful, so please rethink your negative comment before it escapes from your mouth.
Having tattoos does not make me a bad person; not even remotely close. They do not change my worth, my morals, or my value as an individual. There is nothing wrong with self expression and I have every right to my own body.
All I am asking of you is to be a little more open minded and accepting of the choices others make. If you do not want to have tattoos yourself, no one is asking you to get them. Please just understand that my body is my own and your negative opinions only hurt my self confidence. Promote positive body image and and stop body shaming altogether.
Sincerely,
A Happily Inked Individual
