I can't tell you how many dirty looks or raised eyebrows I've gotten in response to my tattoos. Sometimes I think it's because I'm a girl, sometimes I think it's because people generally see me as a professional person and sometimes I think it's because people see me as just another member of the "entitled" generation. I'm a firm believer in the idea that everyone is entitled to their own opinion (even if it's wrong). With that being said, I don't think it's OK for people to make negative comments about someone else's body. So, do me a favor: if you ever find yourself wanting to say any of these things to someone with a tattoo, just don't.

1. "You're going to regret it when you're older."

Don't worry about my possible regrets. When you get a tattoo, no matter how big or small, you're making a permanent decision. And believe it or not, people are aware of this fact when they get a tattoo! So they've probably put some thought into how their tattoo will look in the future, and they're prepared. And sure, tattoos change over time. The lines might not be as sharp, and the colors might not be as bright ... but I dare you to tell me that this lady doesn't look like a badass.

2. "Tattoos aren't really ladylike."

If you have the gall to say this to me, be prepared for me to tell you exactly where you can shove your outdated societal views. Seriously though, why can't tattoos be feminine? And why do females have to have feminine tattoos? It's frustrating to me when people scoff at my tattoos simply because "tattoos don't belong on a woman." Well, I'm a woman, and I have tattoos ... what are you going to do about it?

3. "No one will take you seriously or hire you for a job."

Unfortunately, there's a bit of truth to this one. There are still a lot of people out there who will make judgments about your work ethic and capabilities based on whether or not you have tattoos. Hopefully in a few decades this will be much less of a problem, but for right now, here are my thoughts. As long as the tattoo isn't blatantly offensive or inappropriate, there is no reason to hold any sort of prejudice.

I have more than a handful of tattoos, and that hasn't kept me from establishing my spot on the Dean's List, getting a promotion to the senior level of my job and earning respect from my professors. Also, you have no idea how many successful business people, doctors, lawyers, etc. are hiding some serious ink underneath the blazers and button-downs.

4. "What does it mean?"

If we're close friends and you ask me this, I'm probably going to be fine with it. But if we just met, chances are slim that I'm going to open up to you and answer your extremely personal question. Also, tattoos don't necessarily have to mean something.

I have a paper airplane on my shoulder, and when I first got it, it didn't have a sentimental meaning ... I just really liked how it looked. Some people would only get a tattoo that had personal meaning behind it, and some people will get whatever looks good to them. Both scenarios are fine, and you shouldn't look down on anyone who got a tattoo "just because."

5. "How much money did you spend on that?"

This one always baffles me. Would you walk up to someone and ask them how much their shirt cost? My guess is probably not. It's just not a polite thing to ask. If you're interested in getting your own tattoo and you're asking for future reference, I have no problem giving you a ballpark range. But if you're asking because you want to see how much money I "wasted" on the piece of art on my body, please don't bother asking.

6. "Were your parents disappointed?"

Personally, neither of my parents were disappointed when I got my first tattoo. In fact, my dad actually drove me and a friend through a blizzard to get my first tattoo on my 18th birthday. I know that I'm lucky to have very accepting parents, and I know that there are plenty of people out there who have to hide their tattoo from their parents at all costs.

The point is, you shouldn't ask this question because it might be a sore subject. The question also implies that a tattoo is automatically disappointing to parents, which is a stereotype that we're trying to turn around.

7. "Aren't you worried about explaining your tattoos to your children in the future?"

Nope, not in the slightest. I grew up in a household where tattoos were accepted, and I definitely benefited from this. When I started thinking about my first tattoo, I was already aware of tattoo safety, and I didn't have to sneak off to a shady parlor to keep my parents from finding out.

Furthermore, I know plenty of successful, loving parents who have tattoos ... looks like the tattoos didn't affect their child-raising skills! So when it comes time for me to have my own children, I'll wear my tattoos with pride, and I'll show my children that you can be successful even if you don't stick to societal norms.