Theralex

Just a quick update, since the tattoo is now a year old:
I'm not head over heels in love with it, but I am used to it and it does not bother almost at all. Seeing that my body still functions is reassuring, as are shorts and dresses that cover it. I almost would have forgotten the one year anniversary of the shitshow this has been had I not randomly thought about my other tattoos while working out. So I guess it's all good, I learned a lot and I hope everyone can come to not mind their tattoos that they regretted 🙂

Hi @Hands On!
You are absolutely right, it is the fact that it is more visible to myself than the others are that is difficult. I am getting more and more used to it, though, and can almost spend time by myself again without hating absolutely everything 🙂
The castle is actually Hogwarts, so hierachies don't have that much to do with it. The tattoo just references the fact that Harry Potter has been a huge part of my life ever since I was little and shaped me a lot. No deeper meaning to it than it defining me, no big deal 😄
I really enjoy the different aspects you mentioned that could be triggering this. Do you have a psychology background?

i agree that it's a nice tattoo.
half jokingly - maybe the location has something to do with it? lettering on your arm is probably visible and neotrad on your calf is also visible to others. But YOU see this one on your thigh every time you're on the contemplative thinking seat of porcelain.
more seriously - maybe the meaning of the tattoo touches a place in your heart and soul that you don't/didn't feel comfortable being touched. I dunno the meaning behind the tattoo, but if a castle is truly your home, perhaps there are other social and hierarchical issues in the realm, like who is going to sit on the Iron Throne. 😃 in all seriousness and assuming you don't live in a castle, perhaps the thought or idea of Home is something you're wrestling with and are being forced to confront.
Nonetheless, sending good juju your way and welcome to LST!

I just got my first tattoo yesterday and I feel weird, I’m sad and just feel weird having it even though I love the tattoo... is it normal for that? It sucks and I dong regret it I just feel different about myself..

I'm no doctor/psychiatrist, but I've seen/heard of similar feelings/emotions from friends and family members that had to endure a physical change (physical alteration due to cancer treatment, or a significant accident/injury).  They've said the first few weeks they felt like it wasn't themselves anymore, or felt anxious/worried about the change similar to the comments posted here.  They all within a few weeks became accepting, and not concerned with the passage of time.
Maybe it's forcing us to examine ourselves existentially, which isn't always something we're comfortable doing?  🙂

Just musing, but it's an interesting topic for sure. 

Hi Dan,

thanks a bunch for your reply 🙂 I'm glad you like it. I do wonder what the psychological reasons for post tattoo remorse are. 

Also - nice quote! Joaquin seems to be a role model 🙂

Wow, I got my first tattoo yesterday and woke up half asleep at 7am with all these feelings. I was so glad to find out I wasn't alone!
It's the only tattoo I've ever wanted and I wanted it on my arm in a similar place. I think I'd forgotten about it and it was just quite jarring that early in the day in such an obvious spot.
Thanks for replying to this thread after so long too! I like knowing you pulled through, it gives me confidence for myself. 🙂