To anyone willing to mar their body with a tattoo .......?

Question

especially at a young age and MOST especially people who do it in obvious places like their face, how can it NOT occur to you that somewhere down the road on life's journey, you might think-- "hey-- I don't want this thing on me anymore? Now that I have more sense, it looks pretty stupid". Never occur to you that people often, you know, "change" over the years?

You can "think" about it until you're blue in the face. You have no idea how your thoughts and feelings will be a year, five, 10, 20, 30 years down the road. At 16 you may have thought a car was the greatest thing in the world. At 40 you might think it's the biggest pain in the as$$ in the world. At 25 you may have thought your spouse WAS the world. At 45 you may loath him/her. Most people dramatically change through life about even very profound things.

Somebody-- Why do YOU care that I'm curious about what other people do to their bodies? You should just concentrate on yourself and how you live your life-- right?

I'm a curious person. When I see irrational behavior, I ask questions. You're under no obligation to answer me.

Don't try to "spin" it that it's somehow my failing that I wouldn't get a tattoo. It is reasonable and rational human behavior that people change their minds greatly over a lifetime. It's abnormal NOT to. What's wrong with you? Couldn't keep that commitment to your 3rd grade sweetheart???

Are you defensive because you know I'm right regardless how you particularly feel about marring your body?

Peachy Keen-- "A FREE country"? Are you really understanding the point here? So, just because you CAN do a thing, you SHOULD do it-- all possible consequences be damned? Why are people like you so defensive? Did you see anything in what I said that indicated that I thought you shouldn't be *allowed* to do it??? I asked why you would WANT to.

Question - "So why do you bang your head on the wall-- just curious"?

Answer - "IT'S A FREE COUNTRY IN CASE YOU DON'T KNOW!!!!!!"


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"Clever"_Cat --Yeah-- that's using your head. Did you think, if you DIE tomorrow, you certainly will have no regrets-- since you're DEAD. If you by some chance LIVE tomorrow, you might regret like HELL something you did today.

Ya think? Probably not.


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RedCrossGirl - Don't be sorry for me-- I regularly thank GOD I feel this way.


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tattoo man-- If you don't get it by now-- I can't help you. Good day.

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Dana S - I don't know what you mean by "being accepting of other people" but if it includes embracing every stupid thing everyone does-- count me out.

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Babysnakes - What a genius. Yeah-- you figured me out. I'm all empty inside because I can't get a tattoo and secretly want one. Yikes. Here's a better guess-- I ask people why they would do something irrational-- make a decision which affects the rest of their lives without considering the consequences and you start kicking, screaming and calling names like a little "Babysnake" because you know damn well right I have a good point and you don't know how else to defend your stupid decision.

Bet ya didn't know I could read minds!

1903 - Wow-- Am I in the wrong place? I thought this was the forum where people can ask anything they want? I saw all kinds of other personal questions that people don't need to know-- what's your favorite food; how did you feel about cheating on your spouse; why do you believe in God...?? This topic off limits for some reason? Guess I missed the sign.

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Peachy Keen - I ASKED why people would do something I perceive as highly irrational. Judging from the MILLION other questions in here-- I thought this was the appropriate forum to do that. Sorry if it hit a nerve.

I am sorry to inform you-- "free country" does not mean you are free from looking like a fool when you do dumb things or free from people questioning it. Free county DOES however mean we have freedom of speech, though it's clear to me you are selective about which freedoms should be exercised.

Why did I come to the *Tattoos category* to ask a *tattoo* question? Care to take a stab at that one yourself? Perhaps the *knitting category* would have been a better place???

Babysnakes - Please go play now-- grown-ups are trying to talk.

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Mika-- Heheheh! Yeah-- I'M the one who's missing the big picture. I ask people about the consequences of a tattoo on their entire LIVES. Half the people I talk to defend this with "LIVE FOR THE MOMENT". Gee- wish I had grasp on the big picture!

Can you say "projection" kids?

It is not a wild "assumption" to say people often change greatly over the course of a lifetime. If it were, the tattoo removal business wouldn't be thriving. It is small minded and shortsighted NOT to consider this before getting a tattoo in obvious places, and if you say otherwise-- you are an idiot.

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Wow! People sure were a LOT more rational over in the "Society & Culture" section:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070926084105AAaAQUJ&r=w

Could it be they're not defensive about a dumb move?

elisabeth n-- I asked a freakin' question-- is that not okay with you? Point out where I told anyone NOT to do it?

I always know I have a strong point when I get responses like this! Thanks!

Mika-- Thank you for proving my point and your own stupidity with your childish response-- we'll leave it at that. Good day.

Yeah-- we all know trolls are known for having 1086 intelligent answers and available email contact.

michelle198-- How old are you?

19! THAT'S why it matters! You're too young to have the life experience to understand how it matters! You CAN'T get it yet. If you have to even ask why it matters-- you prove my point. It is only something you can see with hindsight. You can't BELIEVE how different ones worldview and thinking can change from 20 to 30 and from 30 to 40!

Peachy– I asked a question. No, I didn't pull any punches but it was a sincere question asked in the best possible place. I TRULY wanted to know people's feelings on this. I could see your point if my question read: "Why do you dumb asses get tattoos"– but it didn't. I asked why doesn't it occur to people who get tattoos in obvious places that they may later regret it. Though it was not my intention to evoke hostility, that has become my response to others for becoming hostile to me.

In case you didn't notice, you are given a CHOICE where your question is displayed. Since you failed to comprehend my very poignant comment regarding where I should ask my question, & since you're SO bright–you tell me a better category for asking a question about getting tattoos?

Until you show me the Answer police badge you think you can wield around regarding who can ask what questions where–you can stick your attitude where the sun don't shine you silly little tart.

michelle198-- The problem with children is they don't understand what childishness is until they're no longer children, and they can't comprehend what age and experience does until then. To make the comment that age is "only a number" highlights your inability to understand. So, by your logic-- are you mentally equivalent to a four year old? It's just a number–right?

My satisfaction comes from the fact that when you're my age you'll look back to this time and know how foolish you sounded. If you feel the same then? Well, you'll have my pity.

You have the audacity to bring up "respecting" others?

The rest of your rant is the angry ramblings of a child having a tantrum-- not worthy of comment.

meri nz-- It's not a matter of when you're old and gray-- it's a matter of God knows when. It could be next YEAR. You may end up loosing a career or some other opportunity because of what you did to your face. You may just change your mind for no particular reason and say "look what I've done to myself". That's the point-- NO one knows everything that's in store for them.

I can't speak to your cultural particulars, but here in the states-- *reasonable* people know that it's a bad idea.

sparkle - Why don't you go back to sleep? If you can't comprehend the conversation– keep your tattooed @ss out of it and don't judge it. I don't give a flying fudge what people do with their damn skin. They can cut it off and tan it for all I care. The subject stemmed from curiosity about why they don't use their heads.

Answer 1

I agree with you, in this day and age, tattoos are a trend. Unfortunately , they are a permanent trend. I mean , if you have plans to become a lawyer, the idea you have for a flaming skull with dice in the eyes, on your neck, is probably a no go.

The trick is to really think about the future. Yes everyone says "oh you will regret that", but if it is something that really represents you and can be placed in a spot where its not noticeable all the time, then thats fine. The way things are lately, tattoos are looked down upon. Most companies may not hire you if you are heavily tattooed. If you are then you have to wear long sleeve shirts and pants for the rest of your career lol. Who wants to do that?

It's about making the right decisions. I have 2 big tattoos covering up both of my calves. I now work for the state, and luckily i was placed in a division where i dont have to deal with Judges and higher ups all the time, so its a little laid back. But, if i was in another division i wouldnt be able to wear skirts EVER.

You just really have to think about it. A friend once told me "if you really want a tattoo, think about it for a year, if after that year you still want it then go ahead."

I cant tell you how many ideas and how many times i have changed for my tattoos over the past 3 months lol Just use your brain , ya know. Most people dont do that anymore :(

Answer 2

Actually it did occur to me.
Thats why I force myself to sit there and think about each tattoo idea I come up with for at least a year before I put it on my body.

Also, I really don't believe in regret.
My dear friend (who has designed several of my tattoos) has this to say on the subject.
"And as far as regretting tattoos, I think that's silly. Even if you think it was a stupid thing to do one day... why regret it? It was a big part of who you were at one time and a constant reminder of where you've come. "
- Alanna


Lastly, way to be all hostile.
You know, our personal choices in no way affect you, random anonymous stranger I am unlikely to ever meet, so hows about you get over it. We really aren't worth your frustration, cause none of us really care what you have to say.


EDIT: Perhaps people wouldn't be so defensive if you didn't word your question like it's an attack. Because that's what you're really doing, attacking our personal choices in the "clever" guise of a question.

Anyway, this is all pointless. I know from years of experience with friends and family that disapprove of tattoos, that people that just don't understand why people get tattoos, will never understand. If they can't rationalize it for themselves, they certainly can't place themselves in the shoes of a tattooed person. Furthermore, you can't change the mind of someone who loves tattoos by telling them that they might eventually regret something. We do what we love, what makes us happy, and if it really comes down to regret, there are many options these days for removing or covering tattoos.

Answer 3

It's true that people change. People who get tattooed, like myself, do consider this. That's why it's generally good for people to wait atleast a year between tattoos. Also, have you considered the people who get tattoos in commemoration or remembrance? Some people get tattoos in order to mark a change in their lives. I agree that faces really aren't a smart place for tattoos for practical reasons. It's better to get them in places where they can be easily concealed, atleast for people in certain career fields or those who are uncertain of their career paths. One other point I'd like to make is that you see tattooing as "marring" the body. Obviously, people with tattoos feel otherwise. Tattoos definitely aren't for everyone, but I think they should be considered art when they're done and received with care.

Answer 4

Well, I guess it all goes back to the whole thing about this being a FREE country. You know, as in we can do what ever the hell we want to do as long as it's legal? Or did you not get the memo?

EDIT: Why are people like YOU so ignorant? Why do people like YOU have to criticize what others do when you have no right to? What I meant by "it's a free country" is that people have a right to do whatever they want without worrying about someone questioning them about it. Get over yourself and let people live their own lives. You have your opinions, we have ours. Besides, if you're so against tattoos, why in the hell would you come to the Tattoos category? A little redundant, right? The next time you have a thought, do us all a favor and just let it go. K, pumpkin?

EDIT2: Once again, you're simply an ignorant dumbass who likes to stir up trouble. YOU percieve it as highly irrartional. That's fine. Just don't get on a public forum to criticize people for their choices. The Tattoos category is for people who want information about tattoos. Not for people like you who want to simply hit a nerve. And asking why people would want to get a tattoo because YOU think it's irrational is NOT getting information about tattoos. If you disagree with it, take your bullshit to another category. I sometimes disagree with what people say in Religion & Spirituality. That doesn't mean I go there telling everyone they should or shouldn't think this or that. If someone wants a tattoo, that's THEIR business. Not yours. Please get a life and stop judging people you don't even know. You're nothing but a coward hiding behind the saftey of a computer.

EDIT3: How exactly am I not the bright one when you don't understand what I'M saying? I've been telling you to simply NOT post the damn questions! I know a tattoo question belongs in the tattoo category. But when you ask THIS sort of question, it's uncalled for. You say you were sincere when you asked this question. PLEASE! You just want to stir up trouble, just like in most of your other Q&As. I never said "Don't ask this in the tattoo category because it's the wrong one". I said "Don't ask questions that stir up trouble".

Answer 5

Tattoos if used properly are not marring or defacing anything! they are a way of expressing yourself and your personality, but more then that they have a deep meaning for every individual. In New Zealand were i live tattoos are a cultural thing and you have to EARN your right to wear one so when i walk down the street and see an elderly woman with a wrinkled face and a moko (tattoo) on her chin i don't think "i bet she regrets that now" i think " how much knowledge and wisdom she must have!"

yes some people may be inpulsive to get tattoos at a young age but does that mean they will regret it?

when i'm old and grey and wrinkled i think i'll be more worried about my saggy **** and my cholesterol than whether my tat still looks ok

Answer 6

I have tattoo's, none on my face. I have only 2 I regret. When I was young I never thought much about the day I would be embarrassed by it. The only reason I don't like it is because of where it is, on my arm. As for the one I got at the age of 40 on my lower back, most people say it's sexy, especially men.

Answer 7

Since I was 14 I knew the tattoo I wanted and the day I turned 18 I went and got it. I am now 26 and still love my tattoo whole heartily. I got something extremely meaningful to me that has and always will be a part of me. I will never in my life regret having this tattoo. I'm sorry that you can't be accepting of people for who they are or what their preferences are and what they decide to do to themselves.

Answer 8

It's called living in the moment. I may die tomorrow, and at least I will know I did everything I could to make myself happy and I won't have any regrets. Can you say the same?

BTE: I find it incredibly amusing that you took the time to respond to everyone on here. Do you have anger issues? Did smemone with tattoos beat you? It's OK to cry, honey. Let it out.

Answer 9

Like I told someone else in another tattoo post:

Tattoos are body art-----some people get tattoos because its part of a lifestyle. Some people believe that their body is a blank canvas and tattoos are the art, hence the term "body art."

Other people, like myself, get tattoos because they have a significant person or life changing experience they want to remember----like the passing of a loved one or a near death experience. Some people get an "In Loving Memory of...." tattoo to remember and celebrate the life of a person that was close and important to them, but is no longer alive. They want to create a permanence around that person, because life is temporary, but a tattoo is permanent (in essence).

Some people have a person they care for romantically that has changed their life or was an inspiration that changed them for the better (like helping someone get drug free or helping them through a tough time in their life) so they want to pay tribute to that person and never forget the positive impact they had on their own life.

Answer 10

You are too simple minded to see the big picture, but that's ok. I will TRY and give you some insight, but I doubt it will sink in.

The majority of my tattoos represent people in my life. Not significant others, but family members that have been lost. I will not get tired of these images because every time I look at them, it reminds me of the people I got them for. They are my decision not yours, and I do not consider it irrational. Most people do not get a tattoo as a fashion accessory. So continue to make your own assumptions. But for the majority of this community, your assumptions are wrong.

You, dear sir, are an idiot. Go play in heavy traffic. I tire of dealing with simple minded trolls such as yourself. *yawn*

You are not "right". You are a troll provoking a response with your wording. A troll trying to justify himself is still a troll.