Tattoos

I love tattoos. They're quite the obsession of mine, and nothing makes me happier than seeing a beautiful woman or hot man with an equally hot tattoo. I've got three of my own, and I'm hoping to add to them/touch them up soon.

One of my guilty pleasures is looking at bad tattoos online. I love seeing pics of people with hideous, badly done and downright WTF were you thinking tattoos.

But the problem that I have is, would you say that to their face? Would you honestly tell someone that their tattoo is bad? I wouldn't.

1. It could very well mean something to them. It may be a dumb unicorn to you, but to them it could be a memorial of their child who died but loved unicorns in life. Would you want to be the asshole who pokes fun at a grieving parent?
2. They might like it. Do you take kindly to people telling you that your music sucks? No? Well, why would someone appreciate you telling them that you think the tattoo they like sucks.
3. It might not be finished. Tattoos are expensive, time consuming endeavors. Sometimes you don't have the time or money to finish a tattoo right now. One of mine is rather ambiguous b/c it's not done. Is it a turtle or a penguin? Well, when I finish the shell, you'll know, but for now STFU.

That said, I would wholeheartedly critique the hell out of a proposed design or artist. If it's not done and paid for, it's fair game.

Like helping a friend pick out a $300 prom dress. You don't tell her it's ugly after she's bought it. You tell her it makes her look like a pregnant baboon when she puts it on in the fitting room. She may not like your opinion, but if she hasn't committed to the purchase, all bets are off.

Today I witnessed a rather unfortunate exchange. One girl had gotten a tattoo of a beloved dog on her back in memory of her pet's death. Too bad it looked like a demented bear with a bad case of cross-eyes. Her friend so lovingly pointed this out over coffee and cakes. Tattooed girl was offended and left in a huff.

If you truly think a tattoo is hideous, please, don't tell the other person. That's something you laugh about with your bf as you lie in the dark, contemplating the glow in the dark stars festooned on the ceiling or share as a vague but poignant warning to a friend considering getting inked without much forethought or planning.

Anyway, off the soapbox. Bottom line, if you tell me you think any of my tattoos suck, I'll simply smile, then deck you.