Pain – Why it’s not such a big deal

I have noticed a running theme with comments from colleagues regarding the progress of my new tattoo: “Didn’t that hurt?”

It appears from what I’ve heard to be the biggest hindrance for many people in getting a tattoo – the fact that there is pain involved. I even had one lady say she couldn’t stand to have one because it’d hurt so much, and she’s had two kids!

Pain is a very transient thing – it may feel intense at the time, but it will pass and leave no lasting effects. Yes, tattoos can hurt, but as soon as the needle has stopped humming, you’re fine. Doesn’t a few hours of mild/medium pain pale in comparison to the amount of time left in your life?

I guess I’ve acquired a fairly pragmatic approach to pain in the past year or so. In December I suffered some major dental problems which culminated in an emegency trip to have a wisdom tooth drilled out of my jaw without anaesthetic. Now that was painful, tears literally streaming down my cheeks, but it was worth it.

After an experience like that, the pain of a tattoo really does seem quite minor. I’d rather go through a short-term suffering to get a long-term gain, than sit back and dream of what I might have yet be too timid to try for it.

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