Many people have mentioned to me that at first glance, I don't look like the kind of person who would have a tattoo (and I am still trying to decide if that's a compliment or not). 

I have three total-- a compass on the back of my neck, a fawn on my collarbone, and a daisy encircled by a horseshoe on my forearm.  I love my tattoos!

Tattoos are, many times, an extension of someone's self or personality, and other times, are just a fun reflection of a time in someone's life.  Either way, they're personal, and a lot of people don't realize that some questions that may seem like fair game when it comes to tattoos are actually...kind of rude.

Here are five questions that I tend to get a lot that AREN'T okay.

  • 1

    What does it mean?

    This question may seem totally harmless, and I will be honest-- it's definitely not the worst of the bunch.  However, for me, only one of my tattoos actually has meaning behind it, and that's the fawn-- the rest are just things I love, like the daisy and a horseshoe.

    People never fail to make me feel terrible for having a 'meaningless' tattoo.  'Well, why did you get it, then?' is the question that always seems to follow the one above.  MAYBE BECAUSE I LIKE IT.  MAYBE BECAUSE IT'S PRETTY.  Maybe....maybe it's none of your business.

  • 2

    Do you ever regret getting that?

    I got this question from a Target cashier once-- someone that I had known for about a minute and a half.  Even if I did regret getting it, that would be a pretty personal situation to deal with-- not something I'd like to talk about while I'm trying to buy command strips and tank tops.

    I thought about most of my tattoos for a long time before deciding to get them on my body forever, and for the one that I didn't think much about, who cares? It has a funny story.  I smile when I see it in the mirror.  It makes me happy....and that's really all that matters.

    Boris Katsman, Thinkstock
    Boris Katsman, Thinkstock
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  • 3

    You know that's forever, right?

    Um...yes.  That's kind of what I figured when the needle was going in and out, piercing my skin.

    Tattoos aren't a walk in the sun.  They hurt. So, yes, if I'm going to go through pain, I sure as hell hope it's going to last me quite a while.

    Christopher Furlong, Getty Images
    Christopher Furlong, Getty Images
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  • 4

    Aren't you worried about what it will look like when you're old?

    Sure, skin sags.  Ink fades.  Remember what I said before, though? Tattoos are forever.

    If my grand kids point to one of my tattoos one day and ask me about it, I can tell them all about the memories that come along with my ink and why it all means so much to me.  Plus, you can't beat the instant respect I'll get in the retirement home.

    Marco Garcia, Getty Images
    Marco Garcia, Getty Images
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  • 5

    Isn't that unprofessional?

    I am lucky to work in a place that lets me showcase my ink all I want.  However, not all workplaces are the same and some bosses prefer that you cover that stuff up.

    The first thing I did after I was hired was ask my boss if he prefer my tattoos go into hiding while I'm at work.  Does that sound unprofessional to you?  I value how my workplace prefers me to represent myself to others, and if I needed to cover up the tats?  Easy peasy.

    Madi Scruggs, TSM
    Madi Scruggs, TSM
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