Making Other People’s Tattoos My Business Makes the World a Little Better

Making Other People's Tattoos My Business Makes the World a Little Better

I have no tattoos and don’t want any.  I sometimes admire small and artful tattoos. I think that people shouldn’t get large tattoos, or a lot of tattoos.  I’m repulsed by face tattoos, although I’d like to meet and have a conversation with Jelly Roll about other things.  You, like I do, may sometimes think that even though tattoo wearers profess to love their abundant skin art, that later in life they will regret their decision.  All that none-of-my-business judgment aside, I know and appreciate that tattoos often represent something of profound importance to their wearer – a moment of significant impact or a lifetime of meaning. 

My #1 guiding value is curiosity, and genuine curiosity motivates me to put my tattoo bias aside and ask people about their tattoos

Most often I ask someone who’s serving me at a business, but sometimes even a random stranger.  I may say something like, “That’s a very (insert authentic and descriptive positive adjective) tattoo…”  Something like, “Wow, those colors are amazing!  How did you find that artist?” or “Wow, that is a beautiful image, did you design it?”  If the person responds with a sense of enthusiasm and openness, then I might ask, “Is there a story behind it that you like to share?” 

Here’s an example, referencing the photo in this post.  This tattoo really caught my attention – it seemed so sad.  The woman with this tattoo told the touching story of a very difficult time in her life from which she emerged a better person, and she reminds herself of this by reflecting on the tattoo (she gave me permission to take this picture).  Friends who’ve been with me when I ask about tattoos have told me they at first thought I was being intrusive.  Then when the person chooses to talk about it, they like me, relish the human stories shared in a moment of spontaneous human connection between unalike people.

Overcoming my own biases and hearing these stories keeps my mind open and fresher.  That’s part of being Stubbornly Young!    

 

 

dave

Want to be in the loop for special newsletters, alerts, and possible subscriber polls and offers? (We will never share your email!)

Yes, that's me!