I’ve had a bug up my you-know-what over this for years. Can someone explain the appeal to me? I don’t understand how a needle etching names and designs into our flesh has become part of popular culture over the past 20 years – accepted for teenagers as well as suburban moms and dads, with celebs of both genders leading the way.

I don’t get it

Didn’t this used to be the stuff of sailors and gang members? Did I miss something? Was it the time I spent in the blur of single parenting and juggling on my personal planet, Fred?

I know, I know. All the pop culture icons have been doing it – Megan Fox, Angelina Jolie, and a gazillion others.  And apparently, a whole lot of you!

So tell me – why do women get tattoos? Skin is precious, and there are plenty of other surfaces to make art on!

I still don’t get it

We aren’t talking about a culture with a history in body art. And yes, I have women friends with a little butterfly or heart somewhere discreet. I have also known the occasional man with arm or shoulder tattoos. But not anyone I date, or would.

I admit – there was only one exception – a man I knew a few years back who exuded the most powerful male sexuality I’ve ever had the pleasure to be in a room with. He was a genuinely interesting guy, and had the most gorgeous physique I’ve ever seen, with or without those rippling arms covered in permanent embellishment.

But I would’ve found him even hunkier without the ink.

Tattoo art: Skin as canvas?

I’m all for personal freedoms, and if tats make you happy, why not? Still, I look at Angelina Jolie’s stunning body, and the tattoos – especially so many – creep me out.

So, I’m curious -

• Do you have tattoos? What does it do for you? Any regrets?
• How do you feel about a man with tattoos?
• What about a woman with tats? Do you find it hot, not, or a non-event?
• What if your teenager wanted a tattoo?

And by the way…

Stop by SingleMommyhood for the tattoo post, and drop by DadsHouse for a very thoughtful post on tit for tat co-parenting, amply illustrated by decorated double Ds…

© D A Wolf