I Love My Tattoos But I Don’t Want To Talk To You About Them

The most obvious ones are on my fingers, which are sprinkled with three dots on each finger, even the thumb. These are the most likely targeted by someone’s field of vision.

“Are those tattoos or henna?” a question that introduces my immediate sigh and exhaustive response of, “…they don’t mean anything.” Even if they were dedicated to each family member, or every morning star, my reasons are not for strangers. Furthermore, they are certainly not something I feel the need to disclose.

According to Pew Research Center, 36% of Americans between the ages of 18 and 25 have at least one tattoo. 54% of Gen Nexters have altered their appearance in some way (ex: hair dye, piercing).

Many people may think, “if you get something so public, so permanent, so interesting, why not want to discuss it?” In short, it’s assumed I should be flattered that someone is asking about my tattoos, something that I chose to embellish my skin for my personal enjoyment. Yet, the reality is that my body is not your specimen. My tattoos are meant to empower me and my body positivity; they are memories and stories and most importantly, they are mine.

My reasons for my permanent branding are not necessary to building a friendship or small talk. And as someone who is as open and public as me — I write about my vagina for a living for god’s sake — I still feel vulnerable and exposed when someone asks about the meaning of my tattoos.

This is not to say that these insecurities stem from my regrets about the pieces that I have, but rather, the reactions of what other’s will say. Their crude comments and misunderstanding of how something can be symbolic enough for permanence are definitely something that I have had to accept as a response.

Over time I’ve learned that I rather keep the meaning of my tattoos to myself.

Silent admiration is always welcomed but chattering, for the sake of your curiosity, should be vetoed. Thanks for being interested, but my body, and the choices that accompany it, should be of no interest to you.

IMAGE COURTESY OF GETTYIMAGES.

By S. Nicole Lane on September 6, 2016
Nicole is a women's health journalist living in Chicago. Her sex and art column, "Intimate Justice" can be found on Sixty Inches from Center. She also contributes to The Establishment, HelloGiggles, GO Magazine, and elsewhere. In addition to writing she is an artist who works with assemblage and sculpture. She tweets at @snicolelane.