I know I commented much earlier in the thread but the way I see it is if you have piercings (which I do, eyebrow, tongue, and septum…had my lip for a while, years ago but had to take it out due to a recurring infection and being pregnant with my son) and tattoos (which I also have, 10, currently), you have to expect to be questioned or judged. Now I’m not saying that’s fair because it’s not, but, that’s how people are and anyone who goes against the grain needs to understand that others will be curious and/or judgmental. If you react negatively you’re only going to reinforce their judgmental and most likely negative view of you. You CAN’T let it get to you. Answer their question(s) with a smile even if you do feel offended because if you act completely un-offended you don’t give them the satisfaction of being condescending, AND, you just might actually make them change their mind about you. Believe me, I’ve had all sorts of people try to judge me and stereotype me and I LOVE to be able to prove them wrong…If you take offense and get angry you’re giving the person who is passing judgement exactly what they want, and/or, exactly what they expect…On the flip-side, however, there are people who truly are just curious or just want to strike up a conversation but don’t quite know how…
Good points, saracidaltendencies! Totally agree with you!
There is absolutely nothing to be gained by lashing out at rude, nosy people.
Hope my post didn’t insinuate that I think that is the way to deal with them.
I might feel hot inside, but I’d never let them see it!
Actually, a good way to respond to a question like: "What does [B]that[/B] pierce mean?"
is: “What do [B]you[/B] think it means?”
Or, when asked: "Why did you have your xxx pierced?"
respond: “Why do [B]you[/B] think I did?”
They’ll say: "I don’t know."
And you’ll say: “Neither do I!”
If they have any brainy ideas to share…just say “You’re right!”
End of that discussion. Your body parts and body art. Shees.
And now on to the more important things…"what do you think about xxx?"
Boy, in today’s world…you’ll have no end of xxx topics to ask [B]them [/B]about.
No, no, not at all! I just personally have never understood it really when people get offended when they are questioned about things like piercings or tattoos because a lot of people are nosy and are judgmental and for a person to think they’d escape the nosiness and judgement when they have a head-full of piercings and/or body-full of tattoos, well, that’s being pretty naive. I have always believed that if a person doesn’t want attention or is uncomfortable with receiving attention, well, they shouldn’t do things that will definitely draw attention. Again, no, it’s not fair but you can’t expect the world to change for you…lol…I just think if a person wants to go out and get pierced and tattooed (ME!! LOL!) they need to realize that people will be nosy/judgmental and they have to be willing to accept that they will be questioned and looked at in ways that might be offensive. But, you just have to rise above it and prove them wrong and maybe, just maybe, you will open their eyes to the fact that not everyone who has piercings and/or tattoos fits into a nice, neat little packaged stereotype. No one does.
Well said, Demonica, well said! You are spot on!
Thanks for sharing your perspective from the ‘tattooed & decorated’ side of the table! 
Very well said Sara! I completely agree with you. No point in being bitter or making a big deal about it. 
I do think people should be more considerate, but I agree they are often just curious.