Ignore the people dissing on this idea. This should be what you want, not what they fear.
However, a question: do you bail because of the potential for pain, or because you want it but you're just not sure?
If the pain is the issue, definitely bring a friend. The little bit of peer pressure will help you get there, and once the process starts up I think you'll be okay. Note I don't say "fine", although depending on your pain tolerance that might happen. Other suggestions made by posters are good as well. I think you might, as many do, be overestimating how bad it is. I know in my case I was kind of like "that's it?" once the endorphins kicked in.
If it's the latter & you want it but aren't precisely sure... I waited even longer than the person who got theirs at 31. I pretty much wanted one around 20-25, decided for certain at 30, but then waited *ten years* before the combination of what I wanted, free time and personal laziness was dealt with. Don't feel rushed, certainly, but if you want one just without a good feeling about it don't think there is anything wrong with you.
I've found that even when I was very much in favor of getting one the first time, and happy with the design (to the point of thinking about my current expansive work), I still felt a tiny bit of unease. That's natural. The folks who dis on this so much are registered in our subconscious, even when it's utter BS. Ever feel bad about not being sufficiently tanned, thin, popular, dressed "right"... anything like that? It's the same origin. It's hard to break out against that and go off on your own, no matter what age and how many others have done the same. Rebelling against the status quo and doing your own thing is, in my opinion, a step into adulthood - whether that be setting your own style, taking what you want in college, or yes, getting the tattoo you always wanted.
In the end you should be able to answer to yourself at various times in your life that you've been true to yourself. Don't go through life looking back and constantly saying "I should have...", whether that means getting inked or not. A tattoo is really a small thing when you get right down to it, but you need to start with small steps.
2007-03-27 06:44:41
·
answer #1
·
answered by Anonymous
·
3⤊
1⤋
Hey, Try and book an appointment so your the first person in the parlour or so that your going to be the last client of the day. Take a friend with you or an MP3 player so you have someone to talk to or listen to. Take a snack because you might feel faint and the snack will pick up your blood sugar levels. Talk to the tattoo artist for awhile before getting it done, get to know him better and then when your comfortable with him get it done.
If it's something you really want then you'll overcome the fear and do it. If you can never go thru with it you have to look within yourself and question if you really want a tattoo. The only person stopping you from getting a tattoo is you so you must have a big issue. Talk about your concerns with your artist and i'm sure he'll make you feel at ease.
GOOD LUCK!!!
2007-03-27 06:44:58
·
answer #2
·
answered by Sexy Sel 5
·
0⤊
0⤋
Think of the feeling you'll have when you go through with it and come out with a fab new tattoo!
Eat something and have a drink (non alcoholic) before you go in.
Relax and talk to the artist whilst he starts, he'll be comfortable with this, and remember you can always ask/tell him to stop.
Really though, it doesn't hurt as such. Its more of an uncomfortable feeling whilst its being done. Keep talking durring the process and take a friend for support too.
I would suggest you go for a design that will take about 30-45mins or an hour at push for your first. My one (only one, that was done on the 09.03.07 UK dates, took just over an hour, about 70 mins or so. Towards the end I felt it getting hot, but still bearable. I had mine done on my lower back, and yes it was more uncomfortable as he went over my spine, but still it was bearable.
If you still have reservations, go with someone who is going to have one done. Watch the process and their actions throughout. Maybe this will help ease you anxiety over having one done.
Good luck!
2007-03-27 21:29:07
·
answer #3
·
answered by Need_to_know 5
·
0⤊
0⤋
I just got my first tattoo done this last week. I also was afraid of the pain. I was with a friend of mine at a tattoo parlor where I know the tattoo artist. I wasnt planning on getting a tattoo that night but the friend I was with said go ahead. I think it helped that my friend has 4 tattoos of his own and that I really didnt think about getting one until the last moment.
Good Luck! and Bring a friend.
2007-03-27 19:19:52
·
answer #4
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
I was scared to death too, but I finally broke down and did it. Only thing is my best friend almost passed out in the middle of hers(we went together and she went first cuz she's got some already) she got sick and everything. The artist explained she was forgetting to breath. So by the time it got to me all I could think about was breathing and I barley noticed the pain, oh and take someone to hold your hand. I am such a wuss so she held my hand and the tattoo artist even gave me a hug after because I said I needed one :)
2007-03-27 06:53:37
·
answer #5
·
answered by Anonymous
·
1⤊
0⤋
I have 8 tats. Every time I go to get one there is that slight bit of anticipation and nervousness that it is going to hurt. Moreso because they are all obviously in diferent areas. I would say that for your first one, get something small, easy to hide, and in a fleshier part of your body. The thinner the skin is (such as over a bone like your ankle, breast bone, wrist,etc) the more it will hurt in general. My worst one ws in between my boobs. But after a while it all just does numb and you really don't feel it anymore. Everyone says not to watch the gun...I can't do that. I have to watch. Guess I have a thing with voyeurism. LOL But if it helps you to not watch...its worth a try. You just have to buck up and do it if you want one that bad.
2007-03-28 18:44:32
·
answer #6
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
i told everyone i was getting a tattoo as i really wanted one and i just had to get it because i couldnt face chickening out and telling everyone i couldnt go through with it. i would have been really disappointed with myself if i had. it was ok. of course it hurt a bit but it wasnt so bad that i couldnt sit there for a whole hour and get a tattoo on my lower back. its not so painful that you wont be able to let the tattooist finish it, in fact the tattoo on my shoulder blade tickled more than it hurt. theres no harm in trying these things, if it hurts -just dont get another one. but i can guaratee that u will. i have got 3 tattoos now. they're kinda addictive!! although i wont be having anymore because ive run out of places for tattoos that look nice on women and also that you can hide away easily.
good luck with the tattoo! hope u can go through with it!
2007-03-27 15:10:39
·
answer #7
·
answered by sparky 3
·
0⤊
0⤋
I was the same way, but i started with a small buttefly and on the middle of my back, it probably took me about an hr to get through it but it was well worth it and i now have a total of 5 and planning on getting more.
Good Luck and if you need too take a friend to keep your mind occupied with anything besides the needle.
2007-03-27 08:21:23
·
answer #8
·
answered by Meg 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
I had my first tattoo done last week at the old age of 31! I have wanted one for years, but was scared of the pain. It hurts, but not that painful at all. I am now planning my next tattoo, so it can't have been that bad!
It will not be anywhere near as bad as you think. Go for it!
2007-03-27 05:54:27
·
answer #9
·
answered by Lisa 1
·
2⤊
0⤋
After the first minute, you'll be over the anxiety of what it feels like, then it won't be a problem! I was scared to death for my first one too, but I was scared of the unknown - pain, etc. Once you know, it's not bad and only lasts for a short time. Don't let other people psych you out.
2007-03-27 06:00:01
·
answer #10
·
answered by ckgusto 4
·
1⤊
0⤋