1. "You'll regret getting that when you're older"

Yes, because I didn't think about what would be on my body forever before I got to the shop, or signed the form, or sat in the chair as I was getting tattooed.

2. "You're just going to end up covering it anyway"

Maybe, maybe not. In this moment I love it, and yet if I do or don't, that's really none of your business.

3. "Nobody will hire you when they see your tattoos"

That's why I'm employed right now and why I've seen plenty of other people with tattoos having jobs doing what they love too, right?

4. "Why would you waste your money like that?"

Well, it is the money I work for and it is on something I love so technically it's not me wasting it.

5. "They'll just wrinkle with the rest of your skin when you get older anyway"

Okay, yes, and I'll be one of the sickest grandma's you'll ever meet.

6. "It looks bland, you should add color or shading to it"

Okay but... who's tattoo is it, yours or mine? Last time I checked I didn't want to.

7. "What do you think kids will think about that?"

Kids probably won't judge me the way you are right now, Susan.

8. "You looked better before you got that"

I didn't know a tattoo changed how I looked that much, tell me more.

"I would never get a tattoo and destroy my body like that"

And that's fine! Good for you! It's your body and your decisions, just like my body is mine and it's my decision.

10. "Was it worth hurting yourself for it?"

Well, for something I love being on my body forever, hell yeah!

11. "You're going to get an infection from your tattoo"

Thanks for caring, but I know how to care for myself and I know that the artist I go to will be up to answering any health concerns I have. Not all tattoos automatically call for getting an infection, ma'am.