Honest opinion?

I had a nightmare the other day that my cousin had asked me for my opinion concerning some tattoo work that he was doing...well, that nightmare came true.  My biggest fear was honestly answering his question as to if I liked his work or not.  I was compelled to "throw up" all over the fact that I believed his work was not skin worthy and that I wouldn't allow him to touch me with a ten-foot pole with a tatt needle attached to the end.  But, with the best intentions in mind, I put a lid on my negativity box (or so I thought) and tried to answer his question to the best of my ability.  I told him that even though some of his work was note worthy, some were not.  I asked him questions to help clarify what work he has done before and what he did to prepare the tattoo for the final stages...apparently, I hit a sour note.  He sang like a falcon on the hunt for its next prey.  He wasn't thrilled at my opinion, to say the least.  He kept expressing to me that his subjects (or "victims" in some of the cases) loved his work and was satisfied with whatever had been PERMANENTLY etched into their skin. 

As an artist (on the go since I was 8 yr old), I only gave my opinion.  Was I wrong for uttering such seemingly innocent words?  Isn't that the point of asking someone their opinion...to fetch their honesty?  What would be the point if someone were to automatically justify their own behavior/work after they wanted you to say something to them that THEY felt was going to fuel their self-esteem in the way THEY had envisioned?  I draw portraits for people on my side time (as I attend college on a full-time basis AND I'm a mother as well).  During my process, I make sure to include what the buyer requested out of the art but ALSO include my need for perfection...which in turn, helps to create a great piece of art.  Even with some of the wonderful art I produce, I have even encountered some "interesting" people and "pleasant" comments.  I've had my fair share of poo slung at me.  Did I like it?  Well...heck no!  But, I took it with a grain of salt.  I had to.  Because why?  Because it's part of the job. 

Well, maybe it's time for me to "not sweat the small stuff". :D  I love my cousin and hopefully he'll talk to me again, but for now...I'm satisfied with the honesty I portrayed...even if the results weren't what I had envisioned.  I always tell myself that I can't control another's behavior/attitude; only my own.  Guess I better suck up my own advice. :P