I guess it all depends on your threshold for pain. I have 3 and the best way I can describe the feeling is, its like an annoying sting that isn't as bad if you don't sit there and focus on it. The piece on my back took 4hrs & the pain was pretty intense at first but, as we went on, the artists kept my mind off of what what going on with a pretty interesting conversation. Some people say theirs back piece hurt as it got closer to the spine but mine was worse as it went out on my shoulder blades.

As for you crying, please don't. Your artist may be liable to kick your ass if you do, even if your artist is a female