Lately, I’ve been seeing lots of friends posting their tattoos on social media. A LOT. It’s seriously not that big of a deal. It’s as if flaunting ink that probably isn’t even considered significant to anyone but you is something to be proud about.

When I had my very first tattoo done, I thought I was the coolest person. I had my sleeves always rolled up just to be sure everyone was looking at it and would look deeply into my eyes and think “Wow, she is really cool."

The tattoo was done perfectly well and it’s a piece that is seriously considered beautiful till this day. I loved it the first time it was freshly buzzed onto my skin and I still love it two years later. It did hurt a lot, to the point I was clawing at my friend’s hand but the sensation of a needle stabbing into my skin in addition to the noise of the buzzing made me feel addicted. I’ve gotten tattoo after tattoo since and I don’t plan on stopping till my neck is finally done. But the point I’m trying to make here is that, it’s just ink. If it’s nicely done on nice skin, it looks nice but other than that--from someone whose been getting inked for a bit--some look incredibly cliché, unimportant and questionable.

I wouldn’t like it if people asked me what my tattoos meant so I don’t usually ask, but I really want to at times. I want to ask if that person got themselves tortured with a needle just to wear a tank top and have it shown off or if they got it done because it actually means anything. I don’t need Chaucer or my question mark tattoos to let the world know I’m me when it’s my words and personality that should be telling my story.

I’m not going to lie and say that my tattoos have definitely given me a different look and given me a chance to be more social. However, getting ink done so I can flaunt it whenever I go cycling or go out drinking just makes ink just an accessory. It’s become such an “in” thing now, I kind of don’t want to get any more done.

But knowing me, I probably won’t stop till I turn into a walking art piece.