"Please, Don't Make Me Look At Your Trashy Tattoo!"

Last week, I went out for dinner/drinks with a couple of girls that I've known for a while. As we were sitting there eating, one of the girls made the comment, "I am thinking of getting a tattoo."

Immediately, the other girl said something to the effect of, "Why would you want to get something so trashy on your skin?"

I think my mouth dropped...

I was slightly taken back. Come on now...One of the main rules of conversation: Know Your Audience.

Did she completely forget that I have tattoos?
I mean...I had just come from work, so I had long sleeves on...and pants...but I've know her for a while now. Geesh!

Exhibit #2: A few months back, some friends and I went on a small road trip. As we were driving we passed a trailer park, where some individuals were hanging out in front of their homes.

Well, later on the trip we passed a tattoo parlor, in which someone lightly made the comment, "We should all get tattoos to commemorate this trip." That's when one of my other friends blurted out, "Great...then we would fit right in with the people at that trailer park."

I took that comment as insinuating that having tattoos automatically makes you white trash.

!!!

Once again... Know Your Audience!

Hello! I have tattoos, so I am a little surprised that people who know me are so quick to make these types of remarks.

I mean...we all have our opinions, but there is a time and a place for them.

I got my first one way back in 1999. This was back when getting tattoos was still associated mainly with bikers and rockers.

But body art has gone mainstream, and now everyone from Frat Boys to Pop Stars have them.

Depending on who you talk to, they are either a great way to express your individuality/uniqueness, or just another way for you to do what's popular (join the crowd...) It depends on what you actually decide to get.

However, for many people that stigma is still there, that tattoos = trashy.
Well, NEWSFLASH: Times are changing.

So...in order for that way of thinking to go away, we all need to help do our part. Therefore, if you are thinking about getting a tattoo in the future, here are a few simple rules to follow:

First, if you are getting a tattoo, MAKE SURE you get it on an area of your body that is fairly toned up! Tattoos do not look good on flabby skin! Nobody wants to see a huge tattoo of Jesus' face on your big flabby arms. However, his face does look amazing on a nice, ripped bicep!

Second, if you are in shape and get tattoos, you MUST remain in shape late into your elder years! Or...cover up! Remember that huge tattoo you got across your ribcage that looked incredible when you had flat, six pack abs? Well, it doesn't look so wonderful on your big flabby gut, now does it?

And ladies...you are not immune, because that pretty little rose you got on your ankle doesn't look so hot when it is expanded across your entire cankle.

Third, please take some time to design your tattoos to be aesthetically pleasing. Don't just slap something on your skin in just any old place! The coolest, most original tattoos are usually thought out and placed strategically on the body.

My buddy Jason has amazing script across his chest and upper arm...it looks unbelievably cool. Another friend of mine, AK, has a really nice design that runs up and down his arms. Clearly, very well thought out...

Hey...this advice is free. I'm only here to help... :)

And a word for the haters: Keep this in mind. Most of the time, tattoos are a very personal, powerful thing for the people who have them. They usually display something, or someone, very meaningful for them. Or...they represent a specific moment or time in life. Please think about that before knocking someone's tattoo, or judging them.

My next tattoo will come after I complete this year's Chicago Marathon.
Now, where exactly will I put it? What will be the exact design? How big?

So many options!...Luckily, i still have plenty of time to think about it...