I can relate somewhat as my parents are definitely not tattoo fans.
When I was 19 I was oblivious to the idea that, to some, a tattoo was highly offense. I left a note in the kitchen which said, “Gone to get tattoo. Back later”. Looking back I can’t even imagine how my parents must have reacted when they read that note. When I got home my mum was actually okay about it, which led me to believe that tattoos weren’t going to be a problem.
Fast forward 14 years I get my next tattoo in New Orleans. After we got back from our trip I saw my mum and she happened to catch a glace at my new tattoo. “What on Earth is that!?!” She was horrified, and I was quite shocked her reaction. She has since used ‘disgusting’ to describe tattoos, which is really disappointing to be honest. I love tattoos and I wish I could share that with my family, but I just don’t think it will ever happen – they don’t know about my back or my leg.
Reactions are amusing too; people are always surprised that I have tattoos as I am pretty old-fashioned in some ways. I can’t tell you the number of times people have said negative things about tattoos/people with tattoos in conversation, and when I pipe up and say I have some, they quickly back track and try and laugh it off.
I’ve had good reactions too. I went to a wedding last year and ended up endlessly being asked to show my leg to strangers who had seen me show someone else. I hope one day it won’t be a big deal and the negativity will end.
I would LOVE sleeves, but I think I might have to wait quite a while because of jobs – come on lottery win!
