I recently decided to fulfill a long-standing goal of mine and get my first tattoo at the age of 75. My daughter was shocked to see it and exclaimed, “Mom, what were you thinking? Getting a tattoo at your age is not only improper, but also very embarrassing. It is better for you to represent the grace of a grandma than the disobedience of a teenager. It looks ridiculous, and people will make fun of you. Her harsh comments had a deep impact on me, making me feel hurt and unsure about my decision.
I had a fantasy, which I reflected with my tattoo, that by the time I was 75 years old, I would be free from other people’s judgment. I thought that for the first time, I could finally express myself without worrying about what other people thought. However, my daughter’s reaction made me reconsider my choice and consider whether I made a mistake in judgment.
I am torn about my tattoo right now; I can not decide if I should embrace it as a necessary part of who I am or regret it and try to have it removed. I wonder if I should let my daughter’s viewpoint change how happy I am, or if I should stick with my decision and proudly display my new tattoo.
Have any other individuals received similarly harsh criticism from their family members? How did you handle these kinds of circumstances? Is it wise to put your personal pleasure first, even if it goes against what your loved ones would expect?
H/T : happiness-life.org