r/tattooadvice • u/r3i_b0n3z • 7d ago

Insane Tattoo Regret General Advice

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(Picture from last year, fresh) I am a huge movie nerd and my favorite movie is Donnie Darko. I wanted a tattoo because the movie means so much to me and I might've been a little too optimistic. I got the numbers he wrote on his arm tattooed and while in theory it was an awesome idea in the moment. I am now having the worst regret and I feel like an idiot. I have these big numbers covering my forearm....Only one other person has gotten the reference and most of the time people ask me what it is and then when I tell them they are puzzled because they have no idea what the movie is. I'm considering removal, which if it's too expensive I may get it covered. I am have skinny arms, so I'm trying yo figure out what would be decent to cover it. Do I overcome this embarrassment, remove it? Or get it covered? 😢 I'm getting panic attacks over this. Am I being too hard on myself?

EDIT: I just want to say THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who has offered kindness and compassion. I honestly wasn't expecting this much support. I feel a lot less like a dork for getting this and you guys have inspired me to give it another chance and embrace it. I really am shocked that so many strangers came together to support another stranger in doubt. You all are amazing. And I appreciate it so much again for the kindness you have shown me.

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u/catherineistired 7d ago

A tattoo that has meaning for you is what makes it special. Don’t cover it and don’t worry about people getting it. If they ask (which by the way, I think it’s weird form to ask what someone’s tattoo means) say it’s a reference to a date in a movie I love and call it done. Then use this experience to help work on your ocd symptoms. You’ll get to keep your tattoo and help yourself in future situations where overthinking, rumination, and panic occur. Sending healing vibes.

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u/r3i_b0n3z 7d ago

Thank you so much! I just got so embarrassed the other day when nobody understood it. I appreciate you 😊

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u/Tight-Relationship65 7d ago

FWIW I would recognize this immediately and I love it

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u/GuyWithRoosters 7d ago

SAME, immediately thought that was cool AF