I had JUST turned 18 two days before my tattoo. my husband has 3 of them, (at the time he was my bf) so i didnt think that it would be very painful. well, i had one picked out, i was so nervous, and i got there, the tattoo artist put it on my ankle where i wanted it, and then he started. he only did a little bit so i could feel what it was like. I thought i was going to die! He wasn't even 1/4 the way around the outline and my hubby and him thought i was going to pass out. i turned really white and i was really hot and i was very sweaty! well, i had to lay down with a cold wash cloth on my face and drink a whole glass of ice water. after that, it wasnt so bad finishing the rest. i think it was just so numb that i didnt feel it. now I have 3 tattoos and i want to get another few and i have my nipples pierced(3 times) and i want to get another piercing...thats mine! i love it and i dont regret it tho!!!