I must admit to being a bit sexist about tattoos and don't mind them on men but used to think they ruined a woman's body, however I have changed my mind after seeing some very delicate and beautiful art-work on some co-workers over the years (mainly in their twenties).

Maybe I am just getting used to seeing it and it is more commonplace. Just goes to show we are all conditioned in some way even if we don't always realise it straight away.

Foxy I always thought if I ever got one on my ankle it would be a butterfly or a celtic symbol of some sort. However I am a bit of a wuss for pain so probably won't make it anytime soon. :)

I thought Christianity's rituals originated from paganism and if fact is why Easter and Christmas are celebrated in line with pagan festivals. Kneeling in front of a wooden cross is very much a ritualistic act as is splashing water on one self.

Dear Pelly,

I can assure you it doesn't hurt one bit,
just tingles - and is absolutely fun!

I've never regretted my celtic - ankle butterfly -
and my son thinks it suits me, and looks
fantastic! I wanted one on my back - but
I've changed my mind. I may have it done
somewhere else instead - I have to think a bit
more about it...

Or I might just leave things as they are.
Depends on my mood...

My advice to you is - do it!
It does look great!

Hi Snake.

Mixing with many 18-23 year old females via my children and work, in which many of them have tattoos [not mine at this stage thankfully], I have been enlightened as to the various reasons [for tattoos].

Symbolic or fashion accessory or flavour of the month/year.

Some of the girls go through a stage of displaying crosses on their arms, ankles or at the top of their crack just above the hipster jeans or pants, for either visuality or symbolising. Some girls decide to tattoo there also for lack of visuality when working [ie they are not visual on their arms, chest or legs].

Some of the girls I know have designs visual at most times, as a symbol that is representative of a meaning only to them [ie a family members name or sign, or a boyfriend or spouse's name or sign, a butterfly representing change] etc.

Similarly, when sailors in the 60's and 70's mixed with their peers acquiring tattoos, a similar wave appeared this century with teenagers [I come across more girls than boys] 14yrs - 20yrs hounding parents for both tattoos, belly and nose rings & studs. I talked my daughter out of them all, off and on for 2 years, between the ages of 15-17, particularly in relation to her part time modelling career. She is now grateful and has no desire or inclination to do either. A passing phase.