Have you ever met someone who looked a certain way and made you jump to conclusions about their character? Unfortunately, that appears to be the case for Richard Huff, a 51-year-old father who has over 240 tattoos on his body. Despite being a kind and doting husband and father, he is often heavily criticized for his “scary” appearance. Many people have taken one look at his tattoos and assumed the worst. He and his family remind everyone of the old saying: Don’t judge a book by its cover.

The Amazing Dad With More Than 240 Tattoos

Richard’s tattoos are a form of self-expression, and he has been collecting them for years. He says that his face and 85% of his body are now covered in them. He has plans, he says, to eventually be 100% covered. Though he admits that tattoos became an addiction for him, he has no regrets – and neither does his family. His wife and children all support and defend his decision to get tattoos, stating that they love him just the way he is. (1)

However, this hasn’t stopped others from labeling Richard a ‘horrible’ father simply because of his tattoos. These critics believe that his tattoos make him an unsuitable role model for his children and that he is setting a bad example by having so many tattoos. Many assume that, because of his appearance, he couldn’t also be a good father and husband at the same time. (2)

Your Appearance Doesn’t Dictate Your Character

These assumptions, of course, couldn’t be further from the truth. Richard is a devoted husband and father who works hard to provide for his family. His wife and children all speak highly of him, citing his kindness, generosity, and love for his family. His daughter always explains to her schoolmates how her dad isn’t scary at all and actually the best dad ever.

“I did judge Richard based on his looks at first but as I got to know him a little bit, he is actually a big-hearted person.” his wife explained.

Read: Just Beautiful: 5 Fathers Who Got Tattoos of Their Children’s Drawings to Remember Them Forever

When asked about the backlash he has faced, Richard remains unfazed. He knows that his tattoos are a part of who he is, and he refuses to change himself to fit into society’s narrow definition of what a good father should look like.

“I participate in the PTA, I go to all my kids’ functions,” Richard said. “If somebody can make negative comments like that, there’s something wrong with them themselves that they would have to judge somebody else…Having tattoos does not scare my children, it does not make me a bad father, it makes my kids get a different perspective on life.”

Family Above Everything Else

Instead of focusing on his appearance, Richard chooses to prioritize his family. He spends quality time with his wife and children, takes them on vacations, and attends all of their important life events. To his children, Richard is not defined by his tattoos but by his unwavering love and devotion to them.

While many people comment negatively online, just as many jump in to defend Richard. They understand that how you look doesn’t determine what kind of father you are. After all, there are many more “conventional” looking fathers out there who abandon, neglect, or abuse their families. It never has, and never will have, anything to do with appearance.

“I’m not against tattoos, but I mean honestly, does he really need tattoos on his face like that?” one user said, to which another responded: “Everyone keeps talking about his face tattoo. He likes it. He got it. He’s a good father. Let him be.”