A few months ago I got the 3 rabbits from the cover of Decemberunderground on my lower back. I'm going to visit my father and grandmother in Oklahoma (live in Berkeley now) in August and I'm wondering if I should tell them or try to hide it.
They are very strict Seventh Day Adventists and don't believe in tattoos or piercings and my grandmother doesn't even believe in wearing makeup or jewelry. We will probably be swimming and stuff so it's going to be hard to hide. I'm 20 years old so I can do what I want but I will still be spending 2 weeks with these people (and have to listen to the nagging and preaching) so what should I do?
2007-06-15 12:30:40 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Beauty & Style ➔ Skin & Body ➔ Tattoos
hide it for as long as you can but be prepared for a confrontation
2007-06-15 13:05:21 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off - good taste in music.
My opinion is is that what they won't know won't hurt them. If they see it you are in for a long two weeks. They won't magically be understanding. They are old, they have their opinions, they won't change them. There is no point in upsetting them if at all possible. But be prepared that if they do see it and comment on it, to just say, as the other person mentioned, "sorry you feel that way" and then drop it. Don't be defensive, or try to convince them, don't get upset at them. It's not worth it. Just leave the room if you need to to avoid a scene or being preached at and continue to do that if it keeps being brought up.
I'm 39. Got my first tattoo at 38. It doesn't matter how old you are - parents are still parents. My mom, who hadn't even seen the tattoo flipped out. The preaching and lectures I got about all the disease, etc....on and on she went. (Kind of ironic because my stepdad is a chain smoker but me getting a tattoo seemed a lot more dangerous then the fact that he smokes.....). That tattoo was the bird on my shoulder. She has no idea what I've done since. No point in telling her. She'll never change her mind and it's not worth the aggravation to me.
Have fun on your visit and don't go into it on the defensive. I grew up in a strict religious environment like you are talking about so I know what you are walking into. If in your mind you are already prepared for a fight then there will probably be one.
2007-06-16 09:19:14 · answer #2 · answered by jkc 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know you, but don't believe you got your tattoo to hurt your family. It is your body and your business. I would not flaunt it. I would get a bathing suit that covers it and leave it at that.
You are not being deceptive that way, it is more of a position of respecting who they are. They will love you no matter what. I do not agree that you have to tell them, or they are going to find out anyway. Not if you aren't prancing around flaunting it! Is that not why you got it on your back? To hide it when you wanted to?
Tats are for personal enjoyment. Many of us place them where others can appreciate them too. Then again many of us keep them for our own pleasure.
I am in both categories. I have one very visible and the others are for ME. Good luck in what ever choice you make. I just vote for don't buy trouble! Hugs. Nana
2007-06-15 21:15:33 · answer #3 · answered by nanawnuts 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well.....one way or another, they will probably find out. Now, how do you want them to find it out? By accidentally seeing it in the pool or you telling them? I can just imagine which one would be a worse scenario....I would tell them, because it's not like it's going to go away. A tattoo is permanent. Besides, you are responsible for yourself. If they disagree, they disagree. Sure they'll disaprove, and there will be preaching, but you can't hide it forever. If I were you, I would probably feel really guilty and scared out of my wits if I didn't tell them right away. I would tell them, better just get it over with. And show them you are still you, it's not like your tattoo changed your whole personality into some gangstar punk bad person.
2007-06-15 19:55:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i was raised a jehovah's witness.... i eventually left the church and now have a large tattoo on my back and a smaller one on my ankle.... for years i 'hid it'.... i say it in quotes b/c everyone seemed to know about it for a longer time than i thought they did.
i wouldn't say anything about it.... as you say, you are 20 and can do what you want. if they see it and/or happen to mention to you something about it.... just answer them. try not to be defensive and if they become preachy or naggy about it, simply tell them... 'i'm sorry you feel that way.' i would think that if you just come out and tell them then that leaves the doorway open for them to get preachy about it, but, hopefully, if you treat it casually, then they will too.
2007-06-15 20:50:41 · answer #5 · answered by Rebekah 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the easiest thing to do would be tell them. It may be a challenge for them since it is against your Grandmother's beliefs and some what against your Dad's, it may change their way of thinking. Since they love you so much and treasure the way you are, maybe they will respect your decision and the others you make in the future.
2007-06-15 19:39:26 · answer #6 · answered by no it all 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i think you should just be honest. my father and his whole side of the family are all mormons. and trust me i have 5 tats. my tongue and nose pierced and my ears pierced 4 times. i made sure to tell them before i spent a whole month with them. it was much easier to let them know and have it set in before i came. so i wouldnt hear so much. and if you go swimming wear a tank top so it's not flaunted in their faces. it shows you are who you are but yet you respect them and their beliefs.
2007-06-15 19:50:29 · answer #7 · answered by giantsluvr22 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its up to you. Tell them if you want. Your an adult and have your own life. But if you want to ignore the annoying grandmother telling you how horrible you are (trust me I truly understand) then try to hide it. Up to you.
2007-06-15 22:07:57 · answer #8 · answered by Bridget 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ii would tell them before hand just in caase you dont fins something to cover it up with. also it could be wosre you can be on drugs and such. if they love you they will see a lovley person and not the tattoo
2007-06-15 19:41:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to tell them. It's your body and your choice. If they see it, they'll *****, but why should you care? Just tell them bitching won't make a difference; it's there now, and it's permanent!
I let my extended family find out on their own, because I didn't feel like I had an obligation to tell them. It's not their business.
2007-06-15 19:40:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
with the swimming, try to wear a one peice, so that it wont show. If ure planning to tell them, do it at the right time. good luck
2007-06-15 20:09:28 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋