tattoos are just like a favorite piece of jewelery or clothing. Or a nice piece of art you would hang on a wall. An original Monet would cost enough money (ha ha) that you better be sure you'd always want to look at it. What about an expensive instrument...do you ever intend to trade it in? Tattoos are permanent but if you find it aesthetically pleasing it is a nice thing to have. Its not exactly the same as going along twith the crowd or following a trend...it is something you should get for yourself. The trick is not to get a tattoo just because its trendy...that would be like being stuck with bell bottoms for the rest of your life. Something personal though, never wears out, and even though we change as individuals, it can serve as a reminder of our past. I don't have a tattoo, but I've always liked them.