People like to assume they know the inner workings of each other's minds because they know a few details about them. Girls only like pink, fluffy, lacy things. Men only think about naked women and beer. All Mormons are just trying to convert you. All people who disagree with us are terrorists. We pride ourselves on our intelligence, but we don't take time to learn more before we pass judgment on people.
I mention this because I was reflecting on how I react to people. I have quite a few friends who possess model-worthy beauty. When I first saw them, I hesitated to talk to them because I couldn't imagine them wanting to talk to me. When they post pictures of themselves, I find myself amazed at how beautiful they are, inside and out. Luckily, these beautiful women approached me and invited me to be their friends.
On the other hand, people who wear their individuality on the outside put me at ease. I can walk right up to them and start a conversation. It could be any number of attributes that might make the norms uncomfortable that brings me out of my shell.
Dyed hair.
Unique clothing.
A warm smile for a stranger.
An unusual book clutched in their hands.
A comment that shows deeper than average thought.
At times, this part of my personality can be at odds with my own beliefs. I personally don't believe in getting tattoos and piercings that leave a hole big enough for me to peer through freak me out a little bit (a lot when I am certain I could put my fist through the hole), but I understand that people choose to express their individuality this way.
In my desire to just be respected for being me, I can't tell other people not to do what makes them happy. As long as they think through their choices and respect me and my rights, I could care less. Of course, if you have piercings or tattoos, I can't promise I won't stare. I take a closer look at paintings, architecture, and clothing, and my mind sees no difference in trying to to learn more from the stories people get printed in their skin.
A while back, I found a blog that says this better than I ever could (mainly because it is a different perspective):
http://alfoxshead.blogspot.com/2013/04/tattooed-mormon.html
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