Please Stop Asking What My Tattoos Mean | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Please Stop Asking What My Tattoos Mean

Just because you get a tattoo doesn't mean you don't deserve privacy.

7001
Please Stop Asking What My Tattoos Mean
Unsplash

It is no secret that the art form of tattooing is a growing concept. More and more people are getting tattooed every day and it's starting to become a society "Norm". However, have you ever been hit with the question of "What does your tattoo mean?" "Why did you get it?" "Why would you place it there?" All valid questions, but none of your damn business.

I personally have two tattoos, one is a geometric wolf and the other is a NYC skyline. Both of these tattoos have some very deep meanings. They all tie back to an extremely dark time in my life and they are my "battle wounds" if you will. They remind me that things got better and that I have to keep fighting. These are extremely personal tattoos. After all, I got them for myself, not for others.

SEE RELATED: "20 Small Tattoos With Big Meanings"

That being said, should you have to explain your tattoo? I'd say no. You paid for it, you chose it, and you know the true meaning behind it. Just because someone asks you what it means, don't feel inclined to answer. It's your business and no one else's. Now, if you feel comfortable enough with these people and want to share their meanings, by all means, go right ahead!

I know most people don't mean harm when they say that sentence, but it's just not something I have to tell you. Working in retail I get a ton of compliments on my tattoos and I thank the person and move on. Other times, I get the questions of "What does it mean?" Etc. I am not comfortable with telling strangers what they mean since I have zero connection with them whatsoever. I try not to be rude, especially while working so I make up some bullshit meaning behind that tattoo to mask the truth of what the tattoo really stands for. Should I lie? No. However, should I tell strangers my deepest darkest secrets? The answer is no. Sometimes a white lie is the easiest way out.

You might be asking yourself, "What should I say to someone who has tattoos and I like them, but don't want to pry into their emotional and private life?" I'd say the most simplest answer to this question is just say you like their tattoo. You don't have to ask why they got it or where they placed it. If you truly liked the work and wanted one for yourself, feel free to ask where they got it done and by who. 90% of people will be perfectly fine with telling you everything you want to know on where and who did the tattoo.

I know most people don't mean harm, but just because you get a tattoo doesn't mean you don't deserve privacy. Respect other people's decisions and their privacy.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

1076
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

16009
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

3334
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments