If you have tattoos how happy are you to talk about them?

[Tat2too]

I have several tattoos that are visible in the summer or when I go out but covered up in the workplace/winter. When they are on show I frequently get approached by people with the usual "love the tattoos!" Conversation opener. It is lovely, but I never know how to respond other than "thanks" when clearly the person wants to have a conversation about them.

Anyone else in this situation and how do you manage it? (And no I'm not showing my tattoos before anyone asks)

I haven't got tattoos anywhere visible as I wouldn't like the attention it gives. It would feel intrusive and get annoying quickly. I'm very shy and socially awkward though.

I am exceptionally boring to look at too. A plain Jane 😂

But I love it when I tell good friends that my thighs and back are covered. There's a little story behind each tattoo and the people who are interested are genuinely interested. I love that and I love showing them off (even if it means pulling up my skirt in public. They look very cool through tights though)

OP I would learn to say something like "Thanks! Would you mind if we talk about something else though?" - but in a nice, friendly way. Most people are understanding and wouldn't want you to feel awkward.

I just say 'thanks!'

If someone wants to know about their meaning they will ask, I've had that quite a bit and don't mind talking about them (it's not too deep on the surface, related to certain songs, even though it's deep for me).

Mine don’t have any meaning beyond “I like [tattoo subject]”, which I don’t mind telling people. Sometimes people think there must be some kind of deeper meaning to them than that and try to push it, but I just tell them that there really isn’t and move the conversation on. Try that.

I also just say 'thanks' I think if they would like to know more they will ask further questions. It's then you can decide if your happy to answer their questions or politely state you wish to not talk about it.

I get approached about mine a lot too, I just say thanks and unless they ask something else I might give them a compliment back on something I like of theirs

if you make permanent voluntary visible changes to your appearance that can be seen by the public, don't be surprised if people comment on them, surely

it's not like a scar or other disfiguremtn which it would be very rude/hurtful to say anything about

more like, if I have unusual earrings and someone who likes earrings will comment on them- and I'll say- oh thanks

I get as many comments on my scars as I do about my tattoos

I say thanks and compliment back (if they don’t have tattoos I compliment their hair etc) I’m happy to talk about
artists and recommendations etc. I don’t like people asking if they have meaning.. or telling me they ought to!
I’ve had people grab me to look at certain ones before. Like take my arm and out stretch it - that’s certainly not okay, I hate it! Luckily hasn’t happened recently

People comment on my vitiligo more than they comment on my tattoos :(

perfectly happy to talk about them although I often forget I have them, and i’m surprised when people mention them!

Lots of comments in the summer, but then I have a very very bright sleeve. I find I get more comments in the USA than the UK though, mostly .

Mine are of a theme though so usually it's other fans that comment which opens a good chat about it!

@Getthekernowlook
@AllThingsServeTheBeam
I'm surprised - that's not good! I have a massive scar on my elbow which is actually quite deformed and no one has ever commented
in fact when I point it out to people they say they never noticed

I always just say thanks. If people ask I can tell them more about them, but I think generally people are just being polite.

I usually say thanks. I had one delightful lady call me a slapper because she disapproved of them, her face when I asked if she wanted to see the one on my fanny 🤣