I had a wonderful creative writing teacher in high school. She pointed out that so many people who try to be unique and individualistic by adopting wild looks (like Goths, punks and such) aren't unique, really, because the stray from normalcy is the same...look wild, wear similar makeup to others (which isn't unique), etc.

There are two main reasons I don't wear tattoos (permanent ones; I will wear temporary ones, although I haven't in a long time). My panic disorder is a big one...I will freak out in a panic attack if something gets on my skin that I can't easily get off. I just can't handle it. The other reason is that I change my mind a lot, and I like to "dress" to suit my moods. I don't have the money to really do that, but you understand what I mean. I might want a pegasus on my leg one day, but maybe a tiger suits me the next. Maybe I want a pirate on my shoulder, or a rose.

I saw a show a while back about future technology for tattoos, and some include laser tattoos, easily changeable tattoos, and animated tattoos (how cool!). I'll wait for the ones I can change at the drop of a hat. Maybe I'll get a tattoo of someone dropping a hat.

I love to see people's tattoos. Some of the artwork is phenomenal. And there are often stories that go along with the choice of artwork.

My problem with nose rings is, what about when you get a cold? Especially if you recently got it, because I assume you aren't supposed to take it out until the piercing is settled? Even if you don't have a cold, there are always gross things in the nose, LOL! That said, I do think some nose piercings are cute.

Eskie, if you don't like tattooing and piercing, you could go for branding, LOL! Of course, a lot of people do that now, so it's not as unique as it used to be, either.