I'm not talking gym memberships, either.

I'm talking about the on-going controversy of tattoos and piercings. I couldn't even begin to try to count just how many times I've been asked if it hurt stretching my ears, how painful my tattoos must have been, how I must not want a decent job or if I realized how much money I'm "throwing away" by modifying my body.

For starters, it didn't hurt too terribly bad stretching my ears, but yes, it did hurt. My tattoos didn't hurt much at all due to their placement. I'd rank them at an average four on a scale of 10. I actually do have a pretty nice job right now, one where I don't even have to cover my tattoos or put in solid plugs. Oh and—news flash—it's a different world now; more and more employers are being *gasp* open-minded. I know, who would have thought? And yes, I do realize just how much money I've spent so far on tattoos and the different sizes of tapers and plugs for my ears.

But it's not about the pain nor is it about the money. Pain is but a feeling, and money but an object.

So what's the big craze over piercings and tattoos? Because some people just don't understand why having holes in your face/skin in general or permanent drawings on your body is beautiful and not some awful tragedy.

Well, it's all about freedom of expression. It characterizes people; makes them unique. It might be a cliche, but it's true: why blend in when you were born to stand out?

Tattoos? They're beautiful. Not just in the aspect of design, but when they mean something to the bearer of them—that's when the true beauty shines.The next time you see someone with a particularly eye-catching piece, tell him/her you love it or at least something positive about it and ask it if has meaning; though—head's up—not all will have a significant meaning. But still, watch as his/her eyes light up. Because the most beautiful thing in the world is watching someone explain something he/she loves.

But that's not all. Tattoos also show commitment. Unless you're planning on spending a lot of money on laser removal somewhere along the line, the ink is there to stay.

Piercings? I admit, some people can go overboard with them, but for the most part, when done tastefully, they can look amazing and really characterize key features on someone's face or body. And, let's be honest, they look pretty badass, too. Take gauges, for example—that takes some massive dedication. Depending on what size you're hoping to reach, it can take a while, especially when you do it properly and not try to skip sizes or try to move up a size too early. (You should wait about a month before going up in size in order to give the lobe time to heal completely.)

Normal earrings are sized at a 20g. To get to a 00g, just imagine how long it would take if you waited the proper month in between each gauging, since the sizes go down in twos. Figured it out yet? That's approximately 12 months, a whole year. Now if that's not dedication, then I don't know what is.

In regards to why someone would get either pierced or tattooed, it's the same reason someone would dye their hair or get an initial ear piercing or even dress the way they do—it's aesthetically pleasing to them and makes them happy. Isn't that enough?

I saw an interesting text post on Tumblr a couple of days ago:

It shouldn't matter what the surgeon's appearance is, it's the degree that mattered.

We shouldn't judge others based upon their outward appearances—just do what makes you happy.

Do you want dermal piercings lining your collar bone? Go for it! You want an entire back piece depicting a scene from "Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask?" If you have the money for it, do it.

It's your body. Don't let anyone try to dictate what goes on it. Express yourself!