The addiction is unbelievable. First tattoo at age 19, and held off until 25 to get my second. Now, I can't wait to go back under the needle. With a clean tattoo shop, there is no risk of AIDS or other bloodborne pathogens, so why not? They give instructions for taking care of it, along with a can of tattoo goo, so why not? They help you design your own personal design so why not? Why the hell not, you prudes and yuppies that think as soon as you get a tattoo you're going to: rob a liquor store; kill or maim someone; worship Marilyn Manson; use drugs; eat bats. Harrumph...I consider myself a very rational person, and I have several tattoos with plans for more. The moral degradation of society? No. A great form of self-expression? Yes. A phase or a fad? No. A help for low self-esteem? Yes. Not that it's a confidence booster to have Betty Boop on your butt, but that venomous cobra on your shoulder that represents the inner, slightly vindictive YOU gives you that extra boost of confidence. Mark your body for all it's worth. But if a tattoo parlor announces "double coupon day", run like hell.