9 First Tattoo Tips For Commitment-Phobes

When you get your very first tattoo, there are arguably two main things to consider. First, how much of a pansy you are when it comes to needles and pain. Secondly, can you commit to having a piece of art on your skin for life? This is why the importance of first tattoo tips is so important. Your first ink might have a deep, meaningful story attached to it or it might not. Your first tattoo could be really tiny or it could be really big. While the small details are important, the crucial thing to remember is that your first tatt is going to be on your skin forever.

I feel like first tattoos are almost like virginity. They're not as tied to social constructs, but they do feel like a massive deal when you haven't done it. Then once you do, you kind of get addicted and you don't understand why you made such a big fuss over it in the first place.

For a person who's very specifically commitment-phobic, however, there are a whole new array of worries to get over. If you can't even choose what kind of sandwich you want for lunch, how are you supposed to decide which cliche quote to have etched into your skin forever? There are worse things in the world than a bad tattoo, of course, but to avoid joining that unpleasant club, here are nine first tattoo tips for all your commitment fearers.

1. Keep An Idea For A Year

My very tattooed friend told me this, and it's honestly one of the best pieces of advice I've ever been given. If you have an idea and you still like it in a year, you're a lot more likely to still like it over the course of your life. Keep your spontaneity for your fourth or fifth tattoo.

2. Consult With Your Parent

I know some of us 20-somethings are still harboring some lingering teenage rebellion against our 'rents, but if your parents approve of your tattoo idea, it's a good indicator that older-you will approve too. We're more like our parents than we think, after all.

3. Keep A Sense Of Humor

Even if you get stuck with a bad tattoo, at least it'll make a funny story. One day you'll hopefully be able to tell yourself, "I told you so," with a general smile and a chuckle.

4. Focus On How Cool It'll Look

Tattoos are cool, so logic follows that they'll make you look cooler, too. Why would that ever be a bad thing? Even if you do end up disliking your ink, it's a symbol for the adventurer in you.

5. Consider The Placement

If you're truly stuck in a commitment-phobic spiral of sadness, perhaps getting a hidden tattoo is the best idea. Opting for a cleverly disguise-able tatt means you can hide it if all goes wrong.

6. Be Confident In Your Decisions

Always remember to be strong! You're a confident, powerful person who knows exactly what they want. A little tattoo cannot and will not bring you down.

7. Ask Your Tattoo Artist For Their Honest Opinion

Asking a professional what they think about size, design, and placement can really help you avoid any rookie mistakes. Your tattoo artist has probably done hundreds, if not thousands, of these. Trust their knowledge.

8. Research What You Want Thoroughly

You don't want your gorgeous Arabic writing to accidentally be calling you an asshole, do you? Doing some thorough research into your design and any possible meanings attached to it will give you more confidence in committing. If you know everything there is to know about tattooing and about your specific tattoo, you'll feel safe and ready.

9. Don't Forget Tattoo Removal

Tattoo removal is a pain in the ass, not to mention expensive. However, with the future of tattoo removal pointing towards painless tattoo removal cream, it's possible that your permanent life/ink decision doesn't have to be that permanent after all.

What's more important to remember above all else is that it's normal to feel afraid. You don't have to pretend to be totally OK with the idea of a needle repeatedly jabbing your body. Taking steps to ensure you're 100 percent happy with the design and the thought of living with it forever, however, might make some of that fear dissipate just a little bit.

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