Tattoos have been known to symbolize a message, whether it's for an artistic purpose or not. Despite this, many people argue against them and find them overwhelming due to societal judgement. However, the fact is that people will always judge, regardless of the reasons behind the tattoos. Self-expression has been a significant reason for tattoos since ancient times. Pirates, for example, used tattoos to express traits such as courage, bravery, and loyalty. Similarly, my tattoo was designed to help me break hat ice when socializing in my early twenties. Growing up in a society where the new norm is boring, I needed a way to express myself. Expressing myself through clothing and hairstyles wasn't enough; a tattoo was what I needed to represent the boldness, bravery, and fearlessness within me.

The tattoo I have was also a way to pay homage to my grandparents who passed away. When I was contemplating getting a tattoo, it was around the time that I lost them. Since I was miles away from their graves, it was difficult for me to visit them physically. Nevertheless, my tattoo does the job and serves as a unique and memorable tribute to my grandparents. It reminds me of them and makes me feel their presence wherever I go. Moreover, it keeps me on track and prevents me from feeling alone.

Lastly, the reason I got the tattoo I have is because of my fear of needles, also called trypanophobia. Ever since I was a kid, the thought of needles inserted inside me made me scared and unwilling to endure any pain. My doctor tried to calm me down with color books, stickers, and even candy, but none of those worked. As I grew older, I decided to face my fear by getting a tattoo. I realized that there is no better way to overcome fear than to face it. By undergoing the process, I initially thought I wouldn't be able to overcome my fear, but the four hours of needles made it go away. Now, my fear of needles no longer exists, and I'm grateful for my tattoo.

In conclusion, the reasons behind getting tattoos are subjective to each individual, and my reasons are the top three - self-expression, homage, and trypanophobia. Others may not find my reasons valid, but for me, they are the only true reasons I need. Anyone who wishes to get a tattoo should make sure they have a good reason for doing so. After all, a tattoo is not just a permanent engraving on your skin, but also a symbol of something significant to you.