I'm Not Embarrassed

Friday, October 31, 2014
I've had tattoos my entire adult life. I've had one of them removed, but still have four. I like them, and each one has had a special meaning in my life.

But when I entered the civilian work force, I made an effort to hide them during interviews and when I met clients. Two of them are on my legs, and I made sure to wear opaque hose or pants to events. I thought I was doing myself a favor by being discreet, as oftentimes people can't reconcile a female engineering professional with tattoos.

Now? Now I really don't care much. I'll usually make an effort to cover the tribute tattoo on my arm when meeting new people professionally for the first time, but not because I'm embarrassed or self-conscious. I just don't want to have to explain its meaning to a perfect stranger.

After a few meetings, I will sometimes wear a sleeveless dress, and people will ask about it. I then explain that my daughter designed it before we lost her. That's an honest answer that keeps people from prying too deeply, and I'm okay with that.

But I'm not embarrassed.

4 comments:

Megan said...

Nor should you be.

And I like that answer: it's simple and gets the point across while shutting down the rest of the discussion.

Anne C. said...

I agree. Simple and effective.

The Mechanicky Gal said...

I am so glad that tattoos are more accepted in all walks of life. I still don't like the "What does it mean?" questions I get from strangers. I understand that it is a friendly attempt to open a conversation. But still, if I wanted you to know what it meant, I would have gotten it in English...

Tom said...

What happens on my body stays on my body. Thank you very much.