My parents and my sister are all heavily tattooed. All types of designs, shapes, colors, and lettering. I always swore I would never get one because I was just like you. I questioned how they would look as they aged, how my sister would get a job, how my parents walked down the street knowing people stared at their art. I suffered from being not only close minded, but ignorant as well.

I now find myself in the exact same position as my sister and my parents. It may not seem like many but with five tattoos, I am starting to get the questions and the stare. It's interesting to no longer be the one judging but the one who is being judged; "How will you ever get a job? You must hide them at work at all times. You know, men don't find that very attractive. Why do you put yourself through such pain? You'll regret this when you're older. Why are you ruining your body?"

I'll admit, the pain is pretty intense but the outcome is so beautiful. It's become my creative outlet and not that it's any of your business but each tattoo holds a very important meaning both near and dear to my heart and life. I mean, it could be your business if you asked me about them specifically rather than stare at them on the train as if I'm ruining my whole life or jump to conclusions but we'll save that for another time.

I guess what I want you to know is that your comments don't really phase me, nor do they magically change my mind and cause me to look at my tattoos with disgust. In fact, your stares and your judgements push me a little each more to get back in the shop with a new design as soon as possible.

Part of your comments motivate me but part of them makes me feel sorry for you. From the way you look at me, speak to me, and judge others with tattoos, you clearly do not understand the concept in the art of permanence. There is a whole community I became a part of when I got my first tattoo and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I have made friends through, bonded with my parents, gained self confidence, and much more through my tattoos; I fear that is something you will never experience.

I'm not sure if you are really that concerned with my life choices or you just secretly wanted a tattoo and you are just scared. If that's the case, I'll take you to my guy; he's always looking for new customers.