Yeah you, the one who thinks tattoos are ‘cool’-this article is for you. You may think it’s your prerogative to get a tattoo. You may think that the Constitution guarantees your right to get a tattoo. It doesn’t matter. You shouldn’t get a tattoo.

First of all, list on a piece of paper all the reasons why you want a tattoo. Then in a column next to why you want a tattoo, list all the reasons why you need a tattoo.

Got it? Compare your list of wants and needs. Think about your needs versus your wants. If have reasons on your ‘needs’ column and they are more than your ‘wants’ column, then you have passed the first test. You have shown that you need a tattoo. Chances are, you have a reason to get one and you don’t need any more validation.

People who are wannabes: These people want a tattoo because all the cool people have one one. They equate tattoo with coolness and hope that having once would increase their increase popularity factor. However, they don’t realize that getting tattoos in order to achieve popularity is a pretty lame way to go. How about concentrating on yourself first before trying to alter your image?

People who are copycats: These people are like the wannabes but worse because without any originality. Not only do they want to be like others, they copy them exactly to the T. We are talking about people who copy the same tattoo as people they strive to be. While it’s okay to have role models, it’s not okay to steal their identity.

People who are ugly: Okay, we are not saying that ugly people don’t have a right to get a tattoo as everyone else does. We are not that mean. What we are saying is that ugly people who think that tattoos would somehow make them appear more attractive are seriously wrong. So, just get the tattoo for the right reasons, not so you can try to get laid. It won’t work.

People who are middle-aged: People who are middle-aged and undergoing some sort of middle-age crisis shouldn’t get a tattoo. It makes them look desperate and like they are trying to relive their youth. People don’t realize that this act of desperation isn’t lost on the youth who they are trying to emulate. Better just suck it up and face the facts of life: You aren’t getting any younger and a tattoo isn’t going to help you

Again, not to demean people, but some of them don’t have a clue when it comes to why you should get a tattoo. A tattoo isn’t a throwaway disposable commodity that you can just get and then decide the next day you don’t want it. It is going to be a permanent part of you, so you should really take some time to think the reasons why you need one.

Take it from me, a lot of people I know who got tattoos when they were young lived to regret their tattoo. One girl I knew had a tattoo on her back, and when she got married into a very conservative family, she had to cover it up with heavy foundation and makeup. She has been contemplating tattoo removal because the tattoo no longer represented who she was now.

Another friend I know got a tattoo and now covers it up. She wears turtlenecks and long-sleeved shirts everywhere, even in the summertime. She just graduated from college and is looking for a job in teaching, and she knows that she cannot be hired if she doesn’t project a certain image. With her multiple tattoos running down the sides of her arm, she looks like a gang-banger. At one time, she ran with a rough crowd, but she no longer hangs out with this crowd. She also regrets having tattoos.

Your next journey now: Step back from the tattoo shop, slowly turn around and leave without getting one. Come back when you can think of another reason for getting a tattoo.You will only be doing yourself a huge favor, and you can thank me for it.

Want to find out more about how to find the perfect tattoo for your body? Then stop by Chris Evans’s new website… www.TattooFinderGallery.com. On his website, Chris reveals his new 5 step system for finding your dream tattoo design.