Often stereotyped as unprofessional and tacky, perhaps nothing other than a drunken mistake, tattoos have been gaining acceptance as celebrities, parents, teachers, and teenagers have been getting ink. Recently an increasing number of people have been presenting their tattoos proudly like artwork as they should be, for many tattoos hold tremendous meaning.

Millennials are the main source of this new concept of tattoo artistry; according to a 2008 study called “Tattooed Gen Nexters” by the Pew Research Center, 36 percent of Americans aged 18-25 have at least one tattoo.

However, getting a tattoo is not a good decision for everyone. There are many people who probably should not get any tattoos because they would not think it through enough and end up regretting it.

A tattoo of your significant other at this age will most likely be a mistake, even if you think your relationship is going to last. There are too many ex-boyfriend and ex-girlfriend’s faces and names inked on people’s bodies these days.

In particular, parents often warn that if their children get a tattoo they’ll “regret it,” citing painful tattoo removal procedures, distorted tattoos in old age, and the fact that people “won’t hire them” if they have ink.

However, if your parents trust you enough to let you drive a car, sometimes referred to as a “weapon” rather than a vehicle, why shouldn’t they trust you to choose something meaningful to put on your own body? And if you apply for a job and get rejected because they think your tattoos are unprofessional, why would you want to work at a place that values looks over ability anyway?

Many people who get tattoos, however, get them for a specific reason that is meaningful to them, such as getting an angel for someone they’ve lost, or an important date in their life. I think sentimental reasons for getting tattoos are beautiful reminders of something special.

Some also choose ink for expressive reasons, seeing the tattoo as artwork that conveys meaning in a way that clothes and other fashion items simply cannot. For the most part, a tattoo is a permanent marking and is one of the only ways to have a token of something important to you with you forever.

While the tattoo removal industry is indeed thriving, it may very well be because tattoo removal can cost up to five times as much as getting a tattoo; removing a tattoo can cost up to $1000 whereas receiving a tattoo is generally $50 to $100. Some people probably do regret their ink and decide to get it removed, which is unfortunate.

It’s important to remember, however, that people regret haircuts, careers, and past relationships, too.

While many frown upon tattoos, especially when it comes to teenagers, it’s time for adults and teenagers alike to realize that times are changing and tattoos are not as big of a deal as they used to be.