I am 26, am married, live on our own, work full time, and am different. I have 5 tats. One on my right wrist, one on my left bi-cep, one on my left outter calf, one on my back and one on my right ankle. I want more. My mother, however, has her opinion on tats that really makes me hurt. When I got married this past Christmas, my mother demanded that I cover my tats or she wouldn't come to my wedding. So, I got a little pissed off, but I did it anyway. She feels that tats are degrading of the body (she is Christian and I am Wiccan) and that no matter what I say, I am wrong. She says that I am ugly because of them and won't be happy until I get them removed (tough on that one). I know that tattoos are for everyone, but are they really that bad? She says my body is a temple to keep clean (which means nothing bad, like junk food, booze, smoking, etc. and she isn't one to talk. She doesn't take care of herself at all) and that by inking my body is the worst thing I could do. I have had each one blessed by a Wiccan Priestess and they are making my temple more beautiful. Each one gives me power and that power is confidence. I know each one is beautiful. Never, other than my mother, has anyone told me that my tats aren't beautiful. I love my mother though, but am tired of her making me live her life. I thought the fact that I was an adult and married would keep her out of it a bit more, but she is more in it than ever. She even tells me that I am not supposed to smoke or drink or anything like that (I am not pregnant, so what). She tells me to tell my husband stuff to do as well. What can I do to tell her to back off without being so mean about it?