Comments on: Portions For Foxes

By: Cailean13

Cailean13 — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 04:52:00 +0000

you’r esuch a fkn homo

By: Brattondanielle

Brattondanielle — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 05:07:00 +0000

If it is so personal you should get it in a place no one can see. It is not rude to ask about visible tattoos. They are there to get people’s attention. If you don’t want to be asked about it, don’t get it. That’s just silly. Who would put something on display across their body for the whole world to see then get in a tiff when someone asks about it?

By: atpix

atpix — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 04:36:52 +0000

I have a similar personality trait of always being the one to help others and it has cost me dearly over the years, financially and emotionally. I am still working on no longer being everyone's doormat but it is difficult to draw that line and not let others push me over it.

By: Web Design

Web Design — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:03:45 +0000

I was very conscious unless I got my first tattoo on upper arm, but once I had it , I felt as if I'm going to be playing lead role in next Hollywood block buster. I even find it interesting when people ask me about the details.

By: Web Design

Web Design — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 11:03:45 +0000

By: Parallel Import Cars

Parallel Import Cars — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 04:32:02 +0000

Hi Micah,

I understand your concern about privacy. I have friends who tattoo but weirdly, they enjoy people asking them the meaning of the Tattoos. At times they feel really proud of it. I've ever asked them. Don't you get sick and tired of people asking you the meaning of those tattoos, they just replied. I enjoyed it. If I don't want people to ask me, then I should probably tattoo them on my butt so nobody get's to see it.

When the visual stops, the question stops too.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:03:54 +0000

Thank you for the etiquette lesson. I didn't know that if someone has a tattoo displayed openly I am not supposed to ask about it. I have probably done this, thinking I was just showing interest in the person and making conversation. I'll do better from now on.

I also wanted to thank you, Micah, for being the friend that women can talk to. It sounds like they were doing a little too much of that. But really, we appreciate that. You're a valuable asset, we need nice guys to remind us that they exist. But I agree you should not have been taken advantage of.

By: PSP Games

PSP Games — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 18:10:00 +0000

Nice stuff you have shared.I really hate being poked by people who use that to emphasize their conversations! But, like many, I thought that if the tattoo’s out there, it’s okay to ask and that the “public” display was to invite conversation.

By: micah

micah — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 17:29:15 +0000

Thanks. Openness is one of the two rules I really live by. Thanks
again for the nice comment.

By: miamism

miamism — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 16:27:40 +0000

Just found your blog through Mark Davidson on Twitter – I commend you for your openness – definitely refreshing to read a blog post that goes in depth.

By: micah

micah — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 15:38:29 +0000

Im a little disappointed that the comments have centered around “tattoo etiquette” (never tats – bleh), which 1) doesnt exist; and 2) basically are just common sense and respect for persona space. What this post is about is the reality that people take kindness and assume a nefarious intent. That people see kindness as something that is used as a manipulation and always has strings attached.

I guess the lack of discussion around that concept means that folks either agree with the premise, or 2) are embarrassed in its truth. Fuck the tattoos, they are unimportant.

By: lksugarman

lksugarman — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:38:09 +0000

I am one of those guilty of asking what that text translated to, although I didn't touch. I don't like being touched by random people either. I really hate being poked by people who use that to emphasize their conversations! But, like many, I thought that if the tattoo's out there, it's okay to ask and that the “public” display was to invite conversation. Otherwise, I thought it would be somewhere normally clothed. So, my apology for my gaff in tatt etiquette, but I just didn't know or realize that this is an invasion of personal space, like being physically touched.

Quite different from the guy who insisted, “I have your name on my penis” and wanted to bet $50. And, in fact, showed me, in a bar in Nashvile next to the original Grand Ol' Opry that he *did* have “Your Name” tattoed on his penis with “Happy Birthday” on the other side!

By: micah

micah — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 01:56:30 +0000

Very true. But it happens more than you would imagine. Or the constant
staring. Bleh.

By: andrew_feinberg

andrew_feinberg — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 01:47:06 +0000

Grabbing your arm is just a bad idea in general ;-)

By: micah

micah — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 01:35:15 +0000

Andrew, I quite agree. The piece missing is the simple request of "do
you mind if I ask you about your tattoos?"

Sometimes I am not in the mood or busy, or perhaps the tattoo is too
personal.

Asking first implies respect. Grabbing my arm or requesting a
translation immediately shows a serious lack thereof.