I usually just ignore it if it is negative, and try to be polite if it is positive. I am 48 and a heavily tattooed woman and I am still surprised sometimes by peoples reactions to me. Tattoos are psychic armor. My favorite is when people ask "what are you going to do when you get old?" Depending on my mood, it is 1 of 2 answers.... either "Die like everyone else" or "look cool as hell"
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The South can be brutal for negative responses. I am fortunate to live in the NW where people are not as outspoken with their opinions!