You see them everywhere these days, particularly during summer when clothing practically becomes optional. Tattoos have become commonplace, lots of people have them. I am, unfortunately, one of them. I don't think there's something inherently wrong with getting tattoos, lots of people have them and love them (and hopefully, for their sakes, they keep on loving them).I just want mine off of my body. I'm more then a little embarrassed by them. I got them during college and I gave most of them quite a bit of thought. I was sure that I would want them forever, that they would always mean something to me and that I would never change my mind. While you can't see most of mine, even in shorts and a tank top (not that I wear shorts or a a tank top in public these days) you can see most of them when I'm in my modest one piece bathing suit.
I almost forget about them most of the time, even when I have Sadie at the pool. And then some eight year old girl comes up to me and says "I love your tattoos, I want to get one of a butterfly when I'm older" (I kid you not, this has actually happened, although I can't remember what the actual tattoo was that she wanted). The first time this happened I froze for a second. Now I've given it more thought and I'm determined to be the poster child for not getting a tattoo. I'm not sure that will dissuade anyone from getting one, but who knows, maybe it will.
And I could always go into how much it hurts to have them removed. At over three hundred dollars a pop I once tried to have just two (the two that are the most obvious, one on my ankle and one on the back of my neck) removed. Getting the tattoos hadn't really hurt all that much. Having them zapped with a giant lazer was considerably less pleasant. And while, after three sessions, they are faded, they are definitely still visible. If I ever miraculously sell one of my books and then (even more miraculously) make a significant amount of money that would be at the top of my list of things I would want to do. Have each and every one removed!
Maybe seeing how much I hate mine will keep them from appealing to Sadie and any other future children that we have. Or maybe it will be much less cool just because Mom has them.
I'm sorry to hear that. I have two tattoos myself, although I don't have the same feelings about them that you have of yours. My are both very simple and faith-related, so I don't think I'll ever really feel badly that I got them. But the one that's on the inside of my wrist (a small trinity knot) sometimes can distract me if, say, I'm holding a book and trying to read. Which is funny, because the reason I got it was to be constantly reminded of what it stood for, lol.
ReplyDeleteI am done with them. For one, I've grown out of that "stage", also because I worry about the dangers of getting sick from the process more now than I ever did when I was younger. It wouldn't be worth the risk for me. I also have one on the back of my neck. I never even think about it anymore, but I wouldn't remove it either. It's a plain, small black cross that I wanted even before I became a Christian. Then once I did, it became more meaningful, so I did it. I like that it makes a simple statement to others about who I am, without my having to say a word.
Hopefully, as you said, your experience can help to dissuade Sadie from even getting one! :) I would discourage them for my children also, and anyone else. They're okay, but it's just silly really.
You can always use the special make-up that covers scars/birthmarks, which is also waterproof and can be matched very closely to your skin tone. Perhaps that will do, for now.
ReplyDeleteI am grateful I didn't ever get tattoos, but my daughters both have them :¬(
Mrs.P xx
SHOCK! & HORRORS! I'm AGHAST! Brawhahahahaa!
ReplyDeleteOh my, the rose colored glasses have come off. :)
If this is the worst of your regrets, I am very happy for you.
LOL! Certainly not the worst, only the most day in, day out annoying!
ReplyDelete