People are hard to understand. The other day, I was having a conversation with someone, and tattoos somehow got brought up. I love tattoos. I have one, and I could spend countless hours watching videos or looking up pictures of some of the beautiful artwork that people have created. My love for tattoos is something that people seem to understand, but then when it comes to my plans for future tattoos, I seem to get reprimanded.

As my conversation with this person continued, they asked about tattoos I would want in the future. I, being me, got super excited. This is one of my favorite things to talk about, and it’s a big passion of mine. But as I kept describing some of the artwork I had in mind, you could visibly see them start to cringe. When I decided I’d had enough, I dropped it and tried to change the subject, to no avail. Even though this person obviously didn’t like the topic, they asked me how many other tattoos I wanted, and if I was planning on being “covered.” Covered may not be the right term, but I definitely plan on having quite a few.

The person I’m in conversation with then proceeded to tell me, “No, don’t do that!” When I asked why, they had no other reason other than I just shouldn’t. The sad part to me is that this isn’t the first time I’ve had a conversation like this. It’s frustrating, and it just doesn’t make sense.

There’s always a point in one of these conversations where both parties know what the outcome is going to be. Nothing I say is going to change their mind about how unattractive or disdainful tattoos are, and I’m going to have to uncomfortably make some lame joke about how my mind won’t change either, and the subject change always gets weird. It’s the same conversation with my piercings. What’s the point? My ears are full of holes, nothing is going to change that now, and the awkward attempts at trying to get me to change don’t really help anyone.

I’m not saying you have to love piercings and tattoos. That’s absurd. Not everyone has to love everything, but what’s the point of making others uncomfortable? These conversations rarely do anything, and I’d rather talk about how cute my dog is. The point is, I’m tired of getting reprimanded for something that I love.

Getting my tattoo or any of my piercings is still some of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Contrary to popular belief, I do think it through before I pay someone to stab me. For me, it’s never been a “YOLO” decision. Body art is something incredibly special, and I treat the fact that it’s going to be on my body forever seriously.

While my tattoos or piercings may be on public display, so is everything about my appearance. I’ve never had one of these awkward encounters regarding someone’s eye color. The point being, it’s so much easier for others to criticize the part of someone’s appearance they chose, rather than what they were dealt with. It feels more like my choices are being judged than the actual tattoo itself.

But this is why it hurts more. Yes, you’re entitled to your opinion, but trying to make me feel guilty or sway my decision on future body art isn’t going to help either party. And on my end, getting defensive and trying to sway your opinion won’t help either. It’s like this lose-lose situation, but no one wants to break the cycle and avoid the uncomfortableness.

It’s offensive to me when those who don’t even have tattoos try and tell me what horrible decisions I’m making. It’s hurtful when I’m told that something I’m passionate about is wrong or useless. Mainly because the outward appearance may have nothing to do with the miracles it works on the inside.

If you don’t like tattoos or piercings, I respect that opinion. But at the same time, I would hope that you respect my love and interest for the same thing.