I am a tattoo enthusiast. I love artwork on skin, the way the black lines outline and shape beautiful tattoos. I have 4 myself all on my left arm, and I adore all of them. But because of my tattoos, it’s visible to the public often, and I get quite a few questions. I have thought about the 5 common questions.

1. Does it hurt?

I’m not sure why people ask this question so often, so I’ll just answer it with one word: yes. Yes, it hurts. The thing about tattoo pain is that it’s all conditional. For instance, some people just simply have a higher pain tolerance over others. It also depends on where on the body the tattoo is getting done. Wrists are known to be a painful spot, while upper arms, shoulders, and thighs are known to be not as painful.

The most honest way to answer this is: It hurts just as much as you would think a tiny needle puncturing your skin over and over would feel.

2. What does it mean?

Either you’re really curious or you’re just being condescending. There are tattoos that have a great backstory and meaning to it, and some tattoos that don’t. If there is no meaning, then get over it. People get ink for many different reasons, and the main one does not involve your opinion over it.

3. Did you know it’s forever?

Wait a minute— it’s forever? I knew that when I was 18 and got my first tattoo, it would never come off. And I found that absolutely beautiful. It’s amazing how many people are so afraid of taking chances. I have given my ink the right amount of time, and never regretted getting any piece.

4. I mean sure, it looks good now, but what about when you’re old and wrinkly?

Well. Then I’m old, tattooed, wrinkly and have so many stories to tell. When I’m old and wrinkly, I don’t even want to think back to a certain point and think about a moment I didn’t do something I wanted to do and honestly, I don’t even know if I’ll live to be old and wrinkly.

5. Can I tell you about my tattoos?

This one isn’t really a question because as soon as you being to reply, they are already going on about the huge bald eagle piece they want on their entire back and how rad it’s going to be but they can take the pain because they are a man and been through a few wars or something. I’m more interested in ink that is already done or for sure booked in the shops, because I’ve gone back and forth with different ideas so many times. It’s just annoying at that point.

In conclusion, get ink if you want it. Be happy with your choices, and don’t let anyone try to make your choices for you. Be smart about it, and think about permanent decisions.