Tattoo(s): Should I or Shouldn't I?

I have had certain individuals ask me for advice when it comes to getting tattoos since I have 4 of them and worked at a tattoo parlor for a brief period of time (Thank God it was brief, I wish it had never happened). Here is my advice, some of you may agree and some of you may disagree but these are the basic rules I go by:

* Don't get the name of your current "squeeze" tattooed on you. The only way I would get a tattoo of the name of the person I loved is if they died during the course of our relationship. Sounds harsh, but if this person died when you were seriously in love with them that love will never die, it makes sense.

*Never get a tattoo on a place that will stretch. Those really trendy tattoos girls get on their lower abdomen are the stupidest things ever! Once they get pregnant they're going to look like crap. The tattoo that was once a sparrow is now unidentifiable.

*Get something that has deep personal meaning to you. If you get a pair of flaming dice just because you think they look cool you're going to regret them later.

*If you have ANY doubts don't do it.(A rule I've broken and paid for)

*If you have an idea for a tattoo think on it for at least 3 months. That may sound like a long time but it's worth it. NEVER GET A TATTOO ON A WHIM!(Another rule broken on the same tattoo)

*A tattoo on your lower back is called "a tramp stamp" if you don't want the stigma, don't get the tattoo.

*See the tattoo completely drawn up and colored on paper before you get it tattooed. Make sure the tattoo artist is clear that they are not allowed to deviate from that piece of flash. If you give a tattoo artist artistic liberty while they're tattooing you you may end up with a tattoo you don't like. (This is yet another rule I broke on the same tattoo and I seriously HATE my tattoo.)

*Make sure you get the tattoo in a place where you are comfortable with it's visibility. All of mine are in places where I can hide them if I want and where I can show them if I want. Don't get a tattoo on your wrist if you don't want everyone to see it all the time. On the other hand, why would you get a super cool tattoo on your butt where no on will ever see it except for you and your significant other?

*A little common sense goes a long way, just like everything else in this life.

I hope that helps!