It’s my tattoo — so why am I letting everyone else decide?
- Marcu
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Table of contents
Why it’s tempting to ask everyone first
I remember overthinking my tattoo design like I was choosing a name for someone else’s baby. I asked my friends. I asked my partner. I even showed a rough sketch to my mum, who has never had a tattoo in her life. Everyone had a different opinion — “make it bigger,” “too much detail,” “don’t get it there,” “maybe try colour instead.”
And I listened. Too much.
The problem with pleasing people
When you try to please everyone, you start drifting away from what felt right at the beginning. I had this initial gut feeling — a design that spoke to something personal — but it got diluted by every comment. Suddenly, I was questioning everything. Was I just making a mistake? Was it even a good idea to get tattooed?
The thing is, opinions change. Your mate who says “don’t get that” might love it six months later. Your partner might not even remember saying, “I’m not sure about that spot.” But you? You’re the one living with the tattoo.
What I learned from listening to myself
I went full circle — back to the design that I originally loved. And you know what? It felt right. The moment I committed to my choice, everything settled. I stopped needing approval. I just needed to be sure of why I wanted it.
How to kindly say “Thanks, but I’ve got this”
Here’s what helped me create boundaries without pushing people away:
* “I appreciate your thoughts, I’ve thought it through a lot and this one feels right to me.”
“This is something quite personal for me — it’s more about what it means to me* than how it looks to others.”
* “I’ve taken it all in, but I want to trust my gut on this one.”
Most people respected that. Some didn’t. But they weren’t the ones getting inked.
Reassurance is fine — But only you know what feels right
Of course, it's human to want reassurance. Getting tattooed is a big deal. But there’s a fine line between seeking support and handing over your decision-making power. If your gut is saying yes, that’s worth more than ten “I don’t know” comments from others.
Final thoughts: You’re the canvas, be the artist
If you’re stuck in a cycle of asking everyone else, pause. Go back to the first design that stirred something in you. That feeling — excitement, peace, connection — is a compass. You can listen to others, but don’t let them drown out you.
You’re the canvas. You’re the one who walks with this artwork forever.
FAQs
Q: What if someone really close to me doesn’t like the design?
A: If you respect their opinion, that’s fair — but ultimately, you’re the one wearing it. Let love guide the conversation, not control it.
Q: How do I know if a tattoo design is right for me?
A: If it still feels right after time, and you feel proud imagining it on your skin, you’re probably onto something.
Q: Should I wait if I’m not 100% sure?
A: Yes. If you’re unsure, that’s your intuition asking for space. Don’t rush — the right moment and idea will align.
Let this be your gentle nudge: choose for you. Not to impress, not to reassure someone else — just for you.
