Transactional

I was supposed to get a tattoo, and I was actually very excited because it was offered to me for free and he is a wonderful artist. Funny enough, he was the one that offered to do the tattoo for me. I never asked him. A few days later or so, we were working on the drawing and he said, “maybe we can have sex for a tip.” Honestly, I didn’t call him out on that. I didn’t say anything but rather sat with that comment for a few days or so.

I ended up sending him a voice note telling him kindly that I declined the tattoo. I told him I appreciated the offer but also told him that I didn’t appreciate that he asked me for sex. I explained that I am trying to change my life for the better and I felt that he thought he had a window of opportunity because of my vulnerable state of not having income. We never once were intimate and it’s disheartening to me that people take advantage of others even when at first it doesn’t seem like that.

I acknowledge that I am not perfect and my situation is not ideal. However, I don’t want to be taken advantage of or feel that way. He highlighted how he just loves doing tattoos, which is true but also, it’s true that he wanted something else in return. Something that I am not willing to give him.

To all the woman out there struggling financially, emotionally, mentally and spiritually I am walking with you in spirit. I may not know your pain, but I know mine and it feels lonely and defeating.