Why Do We Get Tattoos?

Hi to everyone I haven’t yet spoken to. I’m new here, but loving it….I thought tattoos and piercings were addictive but I reckon checking this forum 3 or 4 times a day is getting that way too!!

Anyway…..What I thought I’d like to find out from you guys (if you don’t mind ) is what you valued views and opinions are about the theory (that non modified beings tend to hold) that body modifications are a form of self-harm.

I have few tattoos and several piercings….which I love….but am offended by the insinuation from those that don’t ‘approve’ have of me because I do.

I am a Mental Health nurse, and have looked after many people diagnosed with personality disorders – that tend to cut themselves (self harm) but I do not think that this distructive, non-artistic way of randomly changing the way their boby looks with scars is quite the same. However I do suffer with depression and am the first to slag off the way I look (very overweight, and covered in lots of stretchmarks from having too large babies!!…nice – not!! ) as my appearance gets me down – but to me, having my skin decorated with art and jewellery improves what I see in the mirror and have to live with

Should we have to justify why we do what we do?….and does anyone have any cool, quick firing quips you could suggest I come back with to the offending poeple (clean please as it is mainly my mother inlaw and colleagues that have the problem!!). Finally does anyone else get grief??

Thanks