Tattoo Etiquette (What can you ask?)
One of the things that you quickly learn after getting a visible tattoo is that they are conversation starters, like it or not. For those of you who are extroverted and love conversation, I am sure that you enjoy it, but for those of us who are introverted, it can be a nightmare, especially for those of us who aren’t the best socially. This kind of comes with the tattoo territory; if you get a tattoo, you have to know and accept it.
For those of you who don’t have tattoos and might be wondering what is or is not okay to ask the tattooed among you. I wanted to make a quick guide that might help make your conversations and interactions as unawkward as possible.
Do’s
1. Ask politely
Approaching someone with a tattoo requires a gentle and respectful demeanor. It's important to start by politely engaging with the individual and expressing a sincere interest in their tattoo. By avoiding assumptions or judgments about their choice of tattoo, you create a welcoming environment where they feel valued and respected.
2. Respect personal boundaries
Understand that not everyone may feel comfortable discussing their tattoos. If someone seems hesitant or uninterested in discussing their tattoos, respect their boundaries and avoid pressing the issue.
3. Compliment respectfully
If you genuinely admire someone's tattoo, feel free to compliment them without making assumptions about them. Genuine admiration can be shared positively without tying it to the person's character or identity. Avoid making negative or judgmental comments about someone's tattoo, which can be hurtful and disrespectful. Even if you don't personally like the tattoo, it's important to be polite and considerate in your interactions.
4. Respect their decision not to share:
Remember that not everyone may feel comfortable discussing their tattoos, and some people may prefer to keep the details of their tattoos private. Always respect an individual's decision not to share details about their tattoos. It's important to honor their choice without question. By fostering a kind, humble, and considerate approach, you can create meaningful connections with others while valuing their autonomy and personal boundaries.
Dont’s
1. Don't touch someone's tattoo or body
The number of times I have had someone grab my arm or touch my tattoos without asking is more than one, which is more times than there should be. No one should be touched without consent/permission. Tattoos are a personal form of expression, and respecting someone's personal space is important. Avoid touching or grabbing someone's tattoo without their explicit permission. Honestly, it just isn’t necessary to touch someone’s tattoo or body, so you don’t even need to ask.
2. Don't assume everyone wants to talk about their tattoos
While some people may be happy to discuss their tattoos, others may prefer to keep them private. Different people have different reasons for not wanting to talk about their tattoos. Some may be shy, some may have social anxiety, some might have gotten a tattoo that represents a difficult time or situation in their life. Respect their decision if they choose not to engage in conversation about their tattoos.
3. Avoid intrusive questions and never pressure someone to share/show their tattoo
Refrain from asking overly personal or intrusive questions about the meaning behind someone's tattoo, especially if you don't know them well. Some people may have deeply personal reasons for their tattoos that they prefer to keep private. I know what you might be thinking: If you don’t want to talk about your tattoo, why get one in the first place? That is not a fair question. Tattoos are inherently personal to the individual and do not need to be shared simply because they exist.
4. Never, ever take a picture of someone or their tattoo without asking
I know this may be hard to fathom, but people do this. My sister has absolutely gorgeous tattoos. Like, take your breath away tattoos. She shared with me that she has had strangers take pictures of her tattoos on more than one occasion with their phones. They asked to take a picture only after they noticed her looking at them or after she moved so they couldn’t get a good view. Incredibly rude and just creepy. You wouldn’t want someone recording you or taking pictures of you without your consent. If you wouldn’t want someone doing it to you, please don’t do it to someone else.
