Tell me what to expect re: first tattoo

[TheyreOnlyNoodlesMichael]

I am booked to have a tattoo this Saturday. It's going to be on my inner forearm between elbow and wrist. I've wanted one for a really long time (I'm 41!) but firstly have been put off because I am an absolute wimp (and I can't emphasise this enough ) with pain, and secondly because I couldn't decide on something I liked enough to have it on my body all the time! Well I've liked this particular design that I've chosen for well over a year now so I fucked it and booked it. Tell me what to expect!

I keep waking up thinking nope, i'm not going, i'm cancelling. Will I be the person who faints whilst someone next to me is having their eyeballs tattooed <cries>

Grateful for all and any advice. Also PHOTOS of your amazing tattoos!

I've had a few different tattoo artists and they've all told me different things regarding the healing process. I've got loads of tattoos and my most recent artist just left me to it and told me to do whatever I've found works best for me. I never re wrapped mine and they've all been fine.

The only tattoo I ever had an issue with was one I had done on my belly near my hip when I was 17. When I was pregnant it stretched and stretch marks formed on the tattoo so it's a bit of a mess now. Entirely my own fault though for being silly enough to get tattooed so young and in that place!

How is it going @TheyreOnlyNoodlesMichael

Had to name change as very identifying but this is my tattoo of my parents writing. They are both deceased (mum in 2008 & dad in 2017) and this is from birthday cards they sent me.
'Kitten' was the nickname my mum called me ❤️
Tattoo is swollen in the photo as it was taken immediately after it was done

Love that

This is my original thread, I have namechanged since. I never made it for the second tattoo, lots of things happened late last year/this year that have got in the way.

I do however have my second booked for 10am tomorrow morning and I am being very brave and going alone

Opposite forearm, not as detailed so am expecting about 30 minutes. Nervous again

I love yours Parentswriting and what a lovely idea.

I have toyed with the idea of doing something similar. I have kept the back of an envelope which is the last thing my Dad wrote a note to me on.