12 Meaningful Tattoos That Will Go Over Well In Any Social Setting

If you're a femme with a message, this one's for you. This little message is small enough and in a good enough spot to be covered if necessary, but it's also got the kind of vibe that can start a conversation at the beach or at a pool party. Plus, how unreal will this look as you get older, rocking that divine feminine in the later stages of your life?

It's hard to argue with something that looks like a beautiful pen-and-ink doodle. Plus, there's a lovely meaning in having a little cactus to protect you and always be by your side. For practical reasons, the location on the back of your ankle makes this little succulent look like it's growing out of the earth beneath you. While easy to hide with socks and shoes, it's also unlikely to get you booted from even the most buttoned-up job interview.

A rose and it's thorns can signify a lot of things to a lot of different people. And, for a tattoo, the beauty in that is that it can mean something very specific to you, but people likely won't pester you (as much) about what it means.

Plus, this rose's location is particularly suitable for a variety of occasions, because it sits on an often-overlooked part of your back.

This hand-poked piece can inspire all sorts of different meaningful insignia. But the idea of getting a heart with a letter in it comes from one specific place: it doesn't draw too much attention (which is appropriate if that's what you're going for), but it can be of deep personal value. Whether it's your initial, or someone else's, or both, a little letter on your ankle is a good bet for someone looking for something subtle but meaningful.

Behind your ear, you can tattoo almost anything you want, and still be able to navigate all sorts of social situations. This little script-and-sunflower piece tells a story for its owner, while staying subtle and gentle.

In a setting where you really want it hidden, you can likely cover a little behind-the-ear flower with your hair if it's longer. But if you're ready to display it for a while, you can make it stand out by getting an undercut. It's a win-win, really.

Honestly, if anyone is offended by this tattoo, that's on them. Everyone needs more self love, and the handwriting-like script is a great way to make the tattoo appear even more casual.

Plus (and this will be a theme), a tattoo by the elbow is a great midway point between one you can keep pretty hidden, and one that's always on display.

A little equals sign is a great way to represent your fight for equality without inadvertently creating a constant conversation-starter with everyone you meet. Some people might think it's just two decorative lines, but you'll know it means much, much more.

And the finger tattoo is both trendy and practical. It's one of the harder places to cover up with makeup (because of sweat and hand-washing), but it's easy enough to keep out of view if you want to.

For this tattoo, the artist drew in the signature of the client's grandmother, who had recently passed away. Every letter she'd sent her granddaughter had ended with this signature, and it looks absolutely beautiful on the skin.

Your meaningful relationships, and grandmother's handwriting, will likely vary from this, but the idea of getting a loved one's sentiments as a tattoo is really sweet. Bonus points: this little spot near the under arm is great for covering up when you need to.

The combination of a simple letter and the inner-elbow location is a sure-fire hit when it comes to getting something both meaningful and appropriate for all occasions.

So whether M means "mom," "moon," or "move on, your ex is a jerk," you can keep it with you forever. Or, if you are feeling cheeky, you can spell a word out by tattooing little letters on different places around you body.

This is one of the bolder of the potential options, but it's still pretty innocuous. It doesn't matter whether the airplane indicates places you have been, or places you want to go, but the little design with it's dotted trail is gorgeous.

Airplanes themselves aren't that glamorous at all, but the ideas of traveling, leaving home, or changing for the better, are all really valuable.

In an ideal world, everyone would carry the message of peace with them. But it's our world, and maybe it's just up to you. With this tattoo, it's your job to walk the walk, but you should find no shame displaying your ink. Truly, who would complain about "peace?" Likely not someone you'd want to be around.

When it comes to searching meaningful tattoos, oftentimes lettering completely outshines any illustration or imagery. But if you think hard enough, you can surely find an image in your mind that means something to you.

For this person, it was a mountain range. For you it might be a childhood home, a favorite tree, or something else. But those are all things that you can carry with you across contexts, without creating too much of a stir, and always keeping the meaning by your side.

Regardless of what others think of tattoos, it's your choice what you do with your body. If you really want to get inked, but also know that the people and places around you aren't always understanding, there is the option of a middle ground. Let your imagination run free.