No Ink Thank You

I will never get a tattoo for two reasons. First, I don’t enjoy having needles stuck into me when they are needed for medical reasons, so why would I inflict it on myself and then pay for the privilege? Second, I have seen tattoos on older people that are faded and look very different from when they were first inked.

When I think back to my childhood I remember my Dad being totally against two things, gambling and tattoos, both of which he had seen much of in the Navy. The gambling was a bete noire for him because he had seen young sailors being taken to the cleaners on the day they got their pay by older sailors who either cheated them or simply used their experience. The result was that they had no money until the next pay was distributed. Tattoos were a mark only seen on sailors or prisoners for him and his generation. Now, I know that has changed, but like so many ideas you are bought up with it is difficult to shift. I certainly don’t judge people for having them. Indeed, the EAP teacher I hired to replace me when I was promoted had a number of tattoos on her arms and it didn’t bother me at all because she was obviously such a good teacher. Three of my children have tattoos and although I am not a fan I accept that it is their choice and that it brings them some meaning and pleasure. So, if you want to get a tattoo that’s great but leave me out!