Post
an
annie
1y ago

My conservative father found out about my tattoo

It's been months since I've had my tattoos but I never tell my parents anything because I know that they already think of me as the black sheep of the family. Apparently, I only think of myself and do what I like to do and not think of others, according to them. I really like the aesthetics of having a tattoo and I'm already 19 years old. I know that my parents are only worried about my future, especially about the discrimination to work with people that has tattoos.


After my dad found out about my tattoo, he immediately kicked me several times while asking me why I did that. I did not give him anything because I know that even if I gave him an answer, that might probably make him more mad. Because of that, I had to go to my room to isolate, but he followed me there and hit me several more times while still asking why I'm ruining myself. It's already 2023 and my father is one of those people who thinks lowly of those with tattoos.


My mother then came to my room to stop him. And my father said that she's a bad influence to her child because I got these tattoos because she had them too. He was so angry that he tried to hit my mom too. He just left after that.


I feel so bad for doing the things that I like doing because I know that they want what's best for me and it makes me feel so guilty to do what I like because they don't like anything I like. I know they're doing the best that they can as parents, but I'm just trying to have fun and celebrate my youth. I know I would never do something that I will regret in the future.

Specialist answer
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Dr. Elisabeth Jones
1y
Specialist

Hello!

I’m really sorry that this happened to you. Unfortunately, we cannot always find a common language with relatives and friends, we cannot always understand each other. It is especially difficult to do this when we have different views, values and ideas about life.

In this situation, I understand both of you – you want to do something for yourself and your parents are worried about your future. There is no right or wrong, everyone has his own position.

I agree with you that it is important to enjoy life and do what you like (of course, this should be safe for life and health). If you really like the tattoo - okay, at that moment you needed this. The only thing is to convey your position to your parents.

But in order to physically protect yourself when talking, you’d better do this not one-on-one, but in the presence of other people (for example, relatives) or in a public place (in a cafe). It’s better when you have a person with a neutral position who could act as a moderator and give both sides an opportunity to speak constructively. If there is no such person, you will have to master effective communication skills.

After all, you have already got a tattoo, and I am sure that sooner or later your parents will accept your decision. Also, this situation can be a good simulator to learn to stand on your own, to protect your interests.

bu
bubu
1y

You are an adult and you have your right to decide what you want, and I get it they want the best for you, but through violence?!?!?!

Nope, big NO NO, this needs to come to an end, explain them make them understand you’re grown up you can make life decisions, they shouldn’t be controlling your life any longer, and please do stand against this domestic violence, this isn’t care it’s violence aggression

an
annie
1y
Author

@bubu they been doing that since i was a kid. It's the thing in the Philippines. They do violence as a form of discipline here, which is so sad. And they say that I shouldn't do whatever I want because I'm still living under their roof. It's like moving out is the only way to get better here.

bu
bubu
1y

@annie I get you, I'm indian and I had same issues

But I realized just talking to them, sometimes showing anger to express that no matter if I'm young I need to be respected, you really need to show that

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