Why do people with tattoos defend their poor decision making skills?

[Anonymous]

Simple question.

Studies have shown that people who get tattoos *generally* have low self-esteem, self confidence, poor body image, and poor decision making skills. Studies have also shown that people who get tattoos very much regret that decision as they get older.

Why do people who get tattoos defend their poor decision making skills when it is quite obvious that it is a poor decision?

[onemoreplease]

I got one tattoo six years ago, which took a lot of thought and holds a ton of meaning for me. I love it so much that over the past year I have started thinking about getting another one, but just like the first tattoo, I am taking my time with the decision because I want the design and location to be something I will love forever.

I think you are referring to people who are drunk/high/upset/whatever, and spontaneously run out to get a cheesy tattoo without thinking about it. In those situations, I could see why a tattoo would be a regrettable decision. But many people, like myself, see tattoos as an important and beautiful method of self-expression. I would be interested to see these studies that found that people with tattoos generally have low self-esteem, because I've never heard that fact before.

[sockz]

Everything about bodies looks 'regrettable' when you get older. Skin sags and wrinkles, muscles are less toned, skin color even changes in odd ways. It's not just tattoos - its everything else about your body as well.

I have tattoos and I know when I get older they're gonna look 'not as great' as when I first got them. Pretty much like when I get older my face is gonna be wrinkly and stuff and not look as great as when I was 20. But I like my tattoos, and I don't think I'd ever regret them because they're an expression of my inner-self on my outer-self. They're just as much a part of me as the rest of my skin.

[blackwaterhattie]

Obvious to whom, though? Maybe they don't think they made poor choices when they got tattooed and maybe they still don't. Also, maybe some do. You may disagree, as is your right, but they don't have to share your opinion. I don't think there is an answer for this question, really. It's perception. As for the studies to which you refer.. I'm gonna have to go look those up. I would be really interested to see them. I know some people with all the stuff you said up there- both tattooed and ink free. I wonder what the correlation is.

[5T3V3]

my tattoos are all japanese. both sleeves and my back. I've been doing japanese martial arts for almost 20 years and have never regretted them for one second. the only regret I can see is that I'll no longer be able to teach or train at some point in the future. should this happen-they'll be a constant reminder of what an awesome time I had when in my past.

as for being a bad decision maker, well, my department had a two year profit target of £37million. we made £42million. if the people that did this study using some accuracy, instead of generalising-they may get different results!

[That-Guy]

Who likes to admit to making big decisions and them being mistakes?

[Sexydncr]

Why is it a poor decision? I can't seem to decipher where you got the unbiased information in which it is a universal or generally a poor decision. Yes some people regret it especially if they were intoxicated or the tattoo didn't turn out well, but I know tons of people of all ages who love their tattoos. I'm planning to get one and won't ever regret it because it's my body... and I don't understand who they're defending themselves against. People like you who assume that getting a tattoo is bad?

[MaskofInsanity]

How strange.

I started getting tattoos 6 years ago and don't regret them yet. I don't understand why I'd ever regret getting things that represent my family, friends, passions and beliefs on my body.

To each their own, I guess. I don't know why people care what others do with their own body.

[meli1820]

i have a tattoo...two of them and I absolutely love them, my whole family has tattoos but my sister who genuinely doesn't want one the rest of us are very happy with ours..my mom didn't get hers til she was 41 because she thought that getting it young she'd regret it, but total opposite. My next tat is a memorial tattoo and I don't believe I will be regretting that.

[Littletad]

I find this alarming, as I've seen other studies who show the opposite statistics you're making. If you want to have more thorough arguments on the subject, you should bring your data. Otherwise, your assumptions are the same antiquated assumptions people had on tattoos decades ago.

[kethel]

Tattoos are an expression of identity. Having issues with that I always wished I was confident enough and sure enough of myself to get one.

With that being said, I am at 35 considering my first tatt. It would be based on, but not a copy of, the Toundra II album cover: link It has several symbolic meanings for me. Thoughts?

[dipta]

I don't see people with tattoos as confident and sure of themselves, quite the opposite, but that's just my opinion. They either want to look cool and liberal or go through some emotional phase and mark it on their bodies...

About your tattoo, I wouldn't do it, especially not on your chest or somewhere visible (think sex). But again, that's just my opinion.

[Alonso14]

You said generally those things are true, therefore you can't say for sure any individual with tattoo's fits those criteria. People are usually reluctant to admit mistakes anyway, so even if the individuals you are talking about fit those criteria they probably wouldn't admit to it to avoid looking bad in front of you.

Out of interest can you link some of the studies? I'd quite like to have a look at them haha

[Anonymous]

Wow. I'd say those studies are bull, haha!

What a nonsensical generalization. Some people get tattoos for cultural reasons (warpaint type of thing), how do you explain them?

Yes, some trashy people get tattoos as well. But is everyone with a tattoo the type of person you described? Of course not. Some tattoos are beautiful.

[Anonymous]

I agree with everything you said and in general I just think its low class. At the law firm I would never be allowed to have any tats on my body that are showing. Anyone with a white collor job just can not have tats. I don't have any tats or plan on getting any but I do that low self esteem and body image.

[tigerlilly29]

I choose not to think of human beings as statistics. Everyone is different. And they can do whatever they want its there life if they want to make poor decisions then that's their problem, they don't need to defend themselves.

[QueenBeatris]

if they had money they would buy lavish gifts,anything to get attention...look at me it screams,thats why some tatoos are so popular amongst people who want attention.

[Socialinteractions]

i have tattoos because I like the art, I don't give a f*** who doesn't like. too much time sipping hater aid not enough time focusing on yourself sir.

[Anonymous]

Do you have any stats that say people regret tattoos? I've never personally met anyone who had one they regretted ...

I don't have any tattoos, by the way. I'm too indecisive. I also have low self-esteem, self confidence, body image ...

[RedSmartie]

They probably haven't realized it yet, or slowly are starting to but obviously can't fix them.

[snowangle]

That's funny, because my friend just got her first tattoo and she PERFECTLY fits your description.

[sachagrant]

hmmm I have quite a few tattoos and I don't hit any of that criteria, I got them to express myself and because I think men with them turn me on,maybe subconsciously its to attract the opposite sex with them ha

[aenjgeal]

Because, pardon my rudeness, it's none of your business. Different people have different opinions. Get over it. Learn tolerance. Just because you don't like it doesn't mean everyone else should live by your rules.

[MsHook]

I think you just want a tattoo but are to scared.. if you don't want one don't get one.

[Anonymous]

I think most people get Tattoo's for attention. To make themselves stand out more than those us with naked inkless skin.