I got my first tattoo when I was 16. My dad and I got matching designs of the recovery sign to honor both of our mental health journeys — a backstory that most people find touching when they ask me the meaning behind my tattoo. 

Then, I got my second tattoo when I was 18. I got a moth because I think moths are beautiful, a justification that many people find insufficient for getting the design permanently tattooed on my body. 

I love all of my tattoos, regardless of how much planning I invested in them prior to the appointments.

Everyone has the right to choose what they put on their body, so long as no harm is done to anyone else, and it’s not a necessity for every tattoo to have elaborate symbolism. 

Tattoos are a way to express personal style. Most people wouldn’t grill someone for why they dress the way they do, so why should people have to defend themselves for their choices in tattoo design?

Getting tattoos is also a way for many to become more comfortable in their own skin. A 2019 study found that young women with tattoos reported higher self-esteem and body positivity than those without tattoos.

If tattoos can alleviate one’s dissatisfaction with their appearance, then that alone provides sufficient justification for body modifications. 

Plenty of people find tattoo designs on Pinterest or in a tattoo shop that speak to them. In fact, I have a couple of tattoos that came from my lengthy Pinterest board of tattoo inspirations. There’s nothing inherently wrong with getting a tattoo purely because one is attracted to the aesthetic of a design. 

Moreover, tattoos are a way that people can get an adrenaline rush without engaging in self-destructive behaviors. Getting a tattoo also causes the body to release endorphins as a pain response, eliciting a euphoric sensation. 

Many people get tattoos purely because they appreciate the tattooing process and the artistry that goes into creating a solid piece. Watching an artist create a design and bring it to life is a unique experience for those being tattooed. 

A tattoo can have importance simply because of the experience itself. Maybe a person got a tattoo with a close friend or while visiting a foreign country, with the memories breathing meaning into the tattoo beyond its specific design. 

I’m certainly not endorsing covering one’s entire body in senseless tattoos just for the fun of it. You should always put some thought into a tattoo before getting it permanently inked on your body. But I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary to have a detailed narrative for each one. 

Additionally, I’d like to clarify that getting certain tattoos without understanding their significance can be a form of cultural appropriation. It’s wrong for people to get a full sleeve of Polynesian tribal tattoos or a Chinese character without considering the extensive cultural history of such designs. 

What I’m saying is that people should be less judgemental of those who have tattoos that aren’t backed with significant symbolism. I view tattoos as a means of accentuating one’s body and cultivating personal style, not as a lifestyle choice that needs to be rationalized to others. 

Modify your body however you see fit without worrying about having to justify your choices to other people. Whether you want to get a dancing hotdog on your bicep or a design that accents your collarbones, you can always find meaning within a tattoo.