TIFU by getting a red ink tattoo

r/

When I turned 18 I decided to get my first tattoo, and decided to get a protection sigil in the crook of my arm, specifically in red ink. It came out looking very nice. All was good and well, fast forward to 3 years later. The tattoo began to fade, badly at that. My bf pointed out it looked like angry red needle marks in the crook of my arm. I knew it looked bad, and tried wearing long sleeves at work.

The problem is, the place I worked could get up to 105°f. So one summer day it was really hot, and had to wear a short sleeve. I was working with a coworker, when he asked me about the marks on my arm. I said “haha, its a faded tattoo, but they totally look like needle marks right?” I saw his face twist, and could tell immediately that he didnt believe me. I dont know why I didnt just leave it at saying it was a faded tattoo.

Later in the day I was eating lunch, when a group of coworkers came up to me, and sat down at my table. They started talking to me about how they heard rumor that I was using illegal substances, and started talking about getting me help. As well as how shocked they were that I, of all people would be using dr*gs. I tried explaining it was a tattoo, but the fading on my arm was so bad, it was just unbelievable to them.

I ended up pulling out my phone, and delving deep into my google photos, trying to find the picture I took from when I first got my tattoo. Eventually I found it and turned my phone to show them. I’m still not convinced they believed me, but they dropped it.

Tldr: got a red ink tattoo in the crook of my arm, years later it faded and looked like I was using needles

Comments

  1. AVeryLazy Avatar

    Well, either you do a coverup tattoo or might as well start using

  2. Crater_Raider Avatar

    I wanna see the tattoo now

  3. ReyLeif Avatar

    Could you post the before and after to better appreciate the story?

  4. deegallant Avatar

    Show us what it looks like now

  5. SantaMierda Avatar

    You can get it touched up

  6. CaptainBloodface12 Avatar

    Is there something about red ink that doesn’t last? My sister got a small all red tattoo on her wrist maybe 20 years ago and it has been completely gone for at least 10 years. Like, if you looked closely and knew right where it was you may be able to see a few spots. She is white, but not pale.

  7. BertieDastard Avatar

    You can say drugs on reddit, btw

  8. pineapplerobots Avatar

    jesus, were your coworkers really that gullible that they just believed every rumor that was flying around??

  9. Pluto_ThePlanet Avatar

    https://preview.redd.it/f8uh78c2nkqf1.png?width=1220&format=png&auto=webp&s=9ea60174a80da7a9033b1d3c2857555c6ca40aef

    I have huge ass scars on my forearm (needle area) from donating plasma for the last two years. It takes about a week for the needle hole to heal into a scar like this. And until it heals, it’s really visible.

    People literally never notice, don’t worry about the tattoo.

    If you wish, you can do a cover-up with a flower or something.

  10. ablik Avatar

    I used to have eczema on sweaty areas like the behind the knees, the crooks of my arms, armpits, etc.

    Someone saw a scab on my arm and asked knowingly if I shoot up.

    I was 10 and that was the first time I learnt of heroin.

  11. AnimeHomo Avatar

    If its not AI, your coworkers are way too nosy and should keep their noses in their own businness. 0 social awareness

  12. turdy_gurdysmother Avatar

    honestly those coworkers were kinda fucking stupid

  13. -pm-me-ur-doggos- Avatar

    Why did you mention needle marks at all? Just say “it’s an old tattoo” next time.

  14. provocatrixless Avatar

    This is Reddit, you can say “drugs” dude, your mom isn’t reading.

  15. NeitherSparky Avatar

    I have a tattoo that’s all red, it’s a video game sprite. The guy insisted on using a dark red rather than red-red, maybe this is why. It still looks fine 10+ years later.

  16. lucpet Avatar

    As an old retired sign writer, the only thing I would guarantee about red would be that it will fade, as it’s known as a fugitive colour. Fades badly over a short period of time, particularly if in the sun.
    This still applies to vinyl these days as well……………………. pretty much anything red will fade quickly.
    Have it redone in another colour

  17. TuckerCarlsonsOhface Avatar

    Go over it again with black ink

  18. woodsciguy Avatar

    In general and historicaly, tatoos in the crook of the arm are used to hide track marks. Sometimes even pointing to the vien…

  19. Alcohorse Avatar

    Why do you think you’re not allowed to type the word “drugs”?

  20. Icy_Animal7960 Avatar

    You can have it lasered off if you like.

  21. SATerp Avatar

    Get the tat redone so it looks like something.

  22. dude123nice Avatar

    It amazes me how much energy some ppl have to actually nag others about something like this. Not to mention, frankly, how entitled their attitude is.