So you you just got yourself a new tattoo. Maybe it’s your favorite quote on your rib cage, or a butterfly on your back, or even a picture of your mother on you lower leg. I'm not judging. I am a huge fan of tattoos because I believe they are a great way to express themselves. The beauty about tattoos is that they are personal to you. Millions of people have them and they are all unique. Whether this is a new experience or your arm’s are a sleeve of art, the phases you go through after your tattoo are something that I’ve seen to be true in many people.
1. The “Is It Still There” Phase
Constantly checking and rechecking to see if it is still there. It’s kind of dumb if you think about it. I mean you sign lots of papers saying you are okay with getting a tattoo because it is permanent so sleeping one night won’t make it disappear. Yet, somehow I found myself checking the mirror and constantly looking at it to prove to myself it was still there.
2. The “Let’s Show Everyone” Phase
You are so excited about your new ink that all you want to do is show everyone. You wear clothes to show it off, take lots of pictures, post them to social media. You are the proud parent of a new piece of art.
3. The “I’m a Bad A**” Phase
Maybe this was just me because I am usually a goodie-two-shoes, but I felt so tough after mine. No one can mess with me because I have a tattoo. It may be a cross but I can still feel macho.
4. The “Obsessed with Cleaning it” Phase
This is the time where you are constantly putting the tattoo ointment on your tattoo, making sure that it looks its best and heals to the best of it’s ability. (I found that this phase didn't last long).
5. The “I Temporarily Forgot I Had This” Phase
That brief moment when you are temporarily shocked when you see cursive writing on your rib cage because you forgot for a moment that you actually went through with the tattoo appointment
6. The “Getting Tired of Explaining the Meaning Behind it” Phase
If you are like me, all your tattoo’s have significant meaning. Yet, this means that everyone is going to ask to hear the story behind it. Even though you want to share it, you eventually get tired of telling the long story over and over again.
7. The “Yes My Mom Knows” Phase
Pretty self-explanatory, but basically this in when everyone asks if your parents know and if they have kicked you out of the house yet.
8. The “I Want More” Phase
This is the moment in every tatted person’s life where the addictive nature of ink starts to kick in. You start planning all the tattoo’s you want and have the urge to get a new one whenever you pass a tattoo shop. It’s addicting.
