It’s summer time and the nice weather means that people everywhere are exchanging pants for shorts, shoes for sandals and shirts for tees (or just losing their shirts altogether) and as such, are revealing their tattoos.  I’ve never gotten a tattoo, and I likely won’t… it’s far too much commitment for me.  In fact the thought of having to pick a permanent and timeless mark to embroider onto my skin is simply too complicated and too stressful for me to even fathom.  Nevertheless, I’m fascinated by other people’s tattoos and what led them to their choice. Having said that, I’m often more shocked by some people’s reaction when asked about their tattoo.  So for all of you who have one, this quick post on tattoo etiquette is for you.

If you have a tattoo in a visible spot on your body, you obviously want it to be seen by others.  If your tattoo was truly a deep, dark personal message, you would have tattooed it on the underside of your eyelids for only you to see.  If it’s out and on display, you put it there for a reason — to get attention.  My advice is to drop the whole eye-roll and tantrum whenever someone talks about your tattoo, they’re only giving you the attention you sought in the first place.  If you’re not prepared to explain what your tattoo means or why you chose it, pick a tattoo that leaves nothing to the imagination.  I would suggest the word TATTOO in a nice helvetica font.

There’s nothing worse than asking someone about their tattoo to hear “ugh, everyone always asks me that.” If that’s the case, perhaps your tattoo is too abstract.  Sure you could study Picasso’s Guernica on canvas for years and still not fully understand it, but few tattoos are that meaningful and in-depth.  Take a quick moment to explain your tattoo to anyone who asks, you might even make a new friend!  Also, avoid replying with a rehearsed joke about what your tattoo means.  The last thing that your overly complicated tattoo needs is a laugh track.  Instead, spend time rehearsing your thank you to express gratitude for all the people who take an interest in your body-art.

Follow these tips and I assure you that you’ll enjoy a fantastic summer of hassle-free tattoo exhibition.  Until next time, keep your tattoos well moisturized and your shirt off.