When and how do you show a new tattoo?

General Advice

I need some advice and would like to know how other people go about this. When and how do you show a new piece, especially with people who are close to you but not into tattoos?

I got a new tattoo two days ago, it’s my third and biggest yet, upper arm. I don’t feel like showing it to anybody, I don’t feel like hearing peoples reactions. I wish it was just there and normal for everyone. Getting tattoo’ed is very personal to me, it feels like a way of reclaiming my body after years of debilitating illness that also influenced the way my body looks big time. My new piece is some kind of inside joke with myself, it references things I love and good memories I made when I was by myself and happy. I love my new piece, the artist that made it is great and I laugh every time I see it, but I know not everybody will get it. Also, nobody in my close circle of friends and family has more than one small tattoo. They are not very religious or traditional people either, just not into this. And I do have some tattoo anxiety, I know it will pass but it will take time for me, so I feel extra vulnarable about it right now.

Usually I’m an open book so me and my friends and family are used to me just telling everything slightly significant that happens in my life. So it feels like I’m witholding something by not telling/showing this yet.

Idk, I do feel dumb for changing something visually about my body and not wanting to hear peoples reactions to it, haha.

Posted Jun 12, 2026, 8:14 PM UTC

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