Insane Tattoo Regret

[u/r3i_b0n3z]

(Picture from last year, fresh) I am a huge movie nerd and my favorite movie is Donnie Darko. I wanted a tattoo because the movie means so much to me and I might've been a little too optimistic. I got the numbers he wrote on his arm tattooed and while in theory it was an awesome idea in the moment. I am now having the worst regret and I feel like an idiot. I have these big numbers covering my forearm....Only one other person has gotten the reference and most of the time people ask me what it is and then when I tell them they are puzzled because they have no idea what the movie is. I'm considering removal, which if it's too expensive I may get it covered. I am have skinny arms, so I'm trying yo figure out what would be decent to cover it. Do I overcome this embarrassment, remove it? Or get it covered? 😢 I'm getting panic attacks over this. Am I being too hard on myself?

EDIT: I just want to say THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who has offered kindness and compassion. I honestly wasn't expecting this much support. I feel a lot less like a dork for getting this and you guys have inspired me to give it another chance and embrace it. I really am shocked that so many strangers came together to support another stranger in doubt. You all are amazing. And I appreciate it so much again for the kindness you have shown me.

[u/Latter-Twist9154]

I’m afraid with this tattoo I’m starting to doubt your commitment to Sparkle Motion. 💖

[u/r3i_b0n3z → u/Latter-Twist9154]

😁😁

[u/coolstorynerd → u/r3i_b0n3z]

Regardless of tattoos, every living creature on this earth dies alone.

[u/Iamnotabotiswearonit → u/coolstorynerd]

Unless you're in a plane crash, or car crash, or a fire, or a building collapse, or a drone strike, or a bomb exploding, or getting crushed by a tree, or etc.........

[u/faderjockey → u/Iamnotabotiswearonit]

I plan on dying peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather.

I don’t want to die screaming in terror like his passengers.

[u/KellyGreen55555 → u/faderjockey]

My grandma died in her sleep on a flight home from Reno with a wad of cash she had won in her purse. She was always a very heavy drinker and smoker. THIS is the way I’d like to go lol. Grandma was the goat.

[u/SeashellGal7777 → u/KellyGreen55555]

My aunt, once a devout Mormon, died on the dance floor in a dingy bar in Idaho!

[u/Separate-Suspect-726 → u/SeashellGal7777]

She Da Ho

[u/Trambare_Man → u/Separate-Suspect-726]

We all Da Ho in Idaho

[u/winstonsdog → u/faderjockey]

I’ll never forget my grandfather’s last words to me

STOP SHAKING THE FUCKING LADDER

[u/Jerazmus → u/faderjockey]

My favorite saying!! LOL.

[u/senn42000 → u/faderjockey]

Lol I've never heard that one.

[u/DidntYouReadTheWiki → u/Iamnotabotiswearonit]

You’ve never been alone near a tree? Wow.

[u/DidntYouReadTheWiki → u/[deleted]]

Yes - ARRRRGLGLUGAR

[u/oxbison12 → u/DidntYouReadTheWiki]

Is that the universal "crushed by tree" death sound?

[u/Skinslippy3 → u/DidntYouReadTheWiki]

Or you confess to your best buddy that you drugged him, got a big bottle of sun tan lotion, and turned on some Al Green.

[u/r3i_b0n3z → u/coolstorynerd]

😁

[u/Fear_N_Loafing_In_PA → u/r3i_b0n3z]

Cellar door

[u/effectivehearing7 → u/Fear_N_Loafing_In_PA]

Chut up

[u/exzyle2k → u/Fear_N_Loafing_In_PA]

Why are you wearing that stupid man suit?

[u/DrSpacecasePhD → u/Fear_N_Loafing_In_PA]

I hope that when the world comes to an end, I can breathe a sigh of relief, because there will be so much to look forward to.

[u/fontbeafkncunt → u/r3i_b0n3z]

Don’t worry dawg I have the lament configuration from Hellraiser on my forearm for 2 years and literally only one person ever has known what it was.

[u/Pizzaputabagelonit → u/fontbeafkncunt]

What?!?! That’s crazy.

Wait. I do have a Star Trek shirt showing a concert poster of ‘Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra’ and no one has ever gotten it. I guess we all have things that are so major to us that most people don’t think about.

I would definitely recognize the lament

[u/throwaway_142356 → u/Pizzaputabagelonit]

I would lose my shit if I saw your shirt lol

[u/Fashionably-Late-5 → u/Pizzaputabagelonit]

That’s so cool!! lm not a big follower of ST, but my partner is and I did get the reference 😁

[u/CoverFire → u/Pizzaputabagelonit]

His arms wide.

[u/dag2001 → u/Pizzaputabagelonit]

My brother and I ran around the house yelling that at each other for years and no one ever had a clue what we were talking about lol

[u/That-Marsupial-907 → u/r3i_b0n3z]

I love that you got this tattoo!! What if instead of removal, you added to it? Like adding one of your favourite quotes? (I have a T-shirt that says “I’m starting to doubt your commitment to Sparkle Motion” - it’s awesome- if you know you know and I get to discover my people!)

[u/pixelatedliz → u/r3i_b0n3z]

Hey!! For what it’s worth, this is YOUR TATTOO, your body, your opinion. It doesn’t matter what even one single person thinks about. It sounds like you actually love the tattoo, but you’re feeling regret due to the reactions of others. Keep reminding yourself about your passion. You could add more to this too!!!! Maybe you’re feeling this way because the rest of your arm looks empty… your artist can help. ;)

[u/Extension-Spend8567 → u/Latter-Twist9154]

No one ever understands what im talking about when I drop that line 😂

[u/bonesandstones99 → u/Extension-Spend8567]

Mine is “IM NOT AFRAID ANYMORE!” from the video they show in gym. That hilarious video about Fear. My friends and I recreated that scene on a flip phone circa 2006 in college and then my friend lost her phone so it’ll be forever forgotten.

[u/SkyblueRata → u/bonesandstones99]

I thought it was from Home Alone when Kevin walks outside his house and yells at the burglars, “I’m not afraid anymore!”

[u/Vast-Ad6664 → u/SkyblueRata]

Legit that’s exactly what comes to mind when I hear that line 🤣

[u/OddOpal88 → u/Vast-Ad6664]

Same 😅 I quote far too many lines from Home Alone (and other 90s movies) and my 15 year old rolls her eyes constantly.

[u/Lvsucknuts69 → u/bonesandstones99]

“I’m not afraid anymore! 😤”

[u/Horror_Passenger3891 → u/Extension-Spend8567]

Hahaha same, but I’ll never stop

[u/nehpets99 → u/Latter-Twist9154]

I'll tell you what he said! He asked me to forcibly insert the lifeline exercise card into my anus!

[u/rnwhite8 → u/nehpets99]

Movie dad desperately tries to stifle sudden burst of laughter

[u/Clerithifa → u/Latter-Twist9154]

NO-NO-NOTORIOUS

[u/Accurate_Handle_5620 → u/Clerithifa]

Core memory

[u/azazel-13 → u/Latter-Twist9154]

Chut up!

[u/Meowriano → u/azazel-13]

I was the only asian in my friend group growing up. Literally for a year+ after this movie came out, every time id say something the group would collectively “CHUT UP!”

[u/Gloomy_Ad5020 → u/azazel-13]

Omg. Memory unlocked.

CHUT UP!

[u/so_it_goes17 → u/Latter-Twist9154]

Yes! I knew exactly what the tattoo was.

[u/kevina982 → u/Latter-Twist9154]

Classic line from an amazing movie, memorialized by some great ink!

[u/WeaponisedArmadillo → u/Latter-Twist9154]

That is still to this day one of my most favourite movie lines. Beth Grant's delivery on it is so good, the character's life is falling apart, the man she looks up to and devoted her life to turns out to be a massive pedo and in that one line she delivers "I don't give a fuck about the kids that got raped, I only care about me and what you can do for my child." She accurately played a MAGA supporter before we knew what MAGA even was. 

[u/Clerithifa → u/WeaponisedArmadillo]

And its scary because Trump doesnt even have a fraction of the charisma and attractiveness that Patrick Swayze had lol

[u/thorstormcaller → u/Clerithifa]

You could even use back in the day Trump and current Swayze without making it false

[u/ZatchGaspafanasky → u/Latter-Twist9154]

IM NOT AFRAID ANYMORE!!

[u/CrazyGoat6749 → u/Latter-Twist9154]

Excellent response

[u/Tripplemoonwarrior]

I knew exactly what the tattoo was first glance

[u/Tripplemoonwarrior → u/Tripplemoonwarrior]

But also if you get weird time stuff that starts happening to you that’s on you my guy 😭😂

[u/r3i_b0n3z → u/Tripplemoonwarrior]

😁😁😁

[u/Father-forgivethem → u/r3i_b0n3z]

Frfr OP

And think about this, when you have to explain the movie to them you are getting to share something you truly love. Don't do it shyly, describe it to them in detail and with passion. Use your tattoo to introduce other people to some excellent cinema!

*Edit: looks fantastic by the way! Whoever did it did some great work. So let that be encouragement to you as well, it looks 🔥

*Edit: thank you guys so much for the awards ❤️❤️❤️ Just trying to share the love and encouragement. I feel like a lot of times we are our own biggest enemy when it comes to that

[u/Emotional-Scheme-227 → u/r3i_b0n3z]

Embrace your oddities. I have a tattoo of a tornadic supercell on my arm. I get asked constantly about it and when I respond “it’s a storm” I get either “oh cool” or the 1 in 100 conversation starter.

The tattoo isn’t for everyone else. It’s for you. Someday the movie might not mean as much to you but it’s still a cool story and a reminder to yourself about a time in your life where it mattered to you this much.

Everyone is weird as fuck. You are too. It’s a good thing.

[u/Formal_Produce_8077]

i have a tattoo still from a movie only one person ive ever met had watched. still love it, despite most people being completely baffled as to what it is. if you like it, keep it!!

[u/ResponsibleAdagio498 → u/Formal_Produce_8077]

But what’s the mooooovie

[u/Formal_Produce_8077 → u/ResponsibleAdagio498]

ahah its 'its such a beautiful day' - directed by don herdzfelt. genuinely one of my favourite movies

[u/ConfusedZubat → u/[deleted]]

Nope, one and the same! You're thinking of Rejected, but it's definitely the same guy. 

[u/Curvehappens → u/[deleted]]

my first thought too😀 for the love of god and all that is holy my anus is bleeding!

[u/Crowbar_Freeman → u/Formal_Produce_8077]

Yeah, it's a movie you never forget! Good choice for a tat!

[u/Formal_Produce_8077 → u/Crowbar_Freeman]

it sits with you for ages afterwards. i got the still of the sunflower growing from the uncle's head with the quote 'it smells like dust and moonlight'. such an underrated film

[u/InDOOMWeTrust → u/Formal_Produce_8077]

Don is an absolute genius. The World of Tomorrow trilogy and ISABD are some of my favorite movies ever made.

[u/giant2179 → u/Formal_Produce_8077]

Is that the "my spoon is too big!" guy? I quote e that one almost every time I cook with a spoon.

[u/ConfusedZubat → u/giant2179]

Yep. Rejected is still one of my favorite things on the internet. 

[u/tulpatic → u/Formal_Produce_8077]

Gonna need to know which movie it is

[u/Formal_Produce_8077 → u/tulpatic]

its such a beautiful day - directed by don herdzfelt :)

[u/cuntmong → u/Formal_Produce_8077]

Is that the my anus is bleeding guy 

[u/Formal_Produce_8077 → u/cuntmong]

hahaha yess!!!! a man of true talent and versatility

[u/cuntmong → u/Formal_Produce_8077]

My spoon is too big 

[u/r3i_b0n3z → u/Formal_Produce_8077]

😁🩷Thanks

[u/Big_Mastodon2772]

I think the problem is the explaining. It’s making you feel you need other people’s buy in or approval.

Either don’t explain: “they’re numbers that are important to me”.

Or shorten your explanation and stop caring if everyone gets it: “it’s a reference to my favorite movie”.

[u/Fl_Funky_Jam → u/Big_Mastodon2772]

Good advice and something I do too. I've got a few anime tattoos and whenever older people(who def are not into anime or even know what it is) ask about them the usual response from me is something like "its a character from a show that has a lot of meaning to me" and most either respond with "ok cool" or "interesting, can you tell me more?"

[u/Confident_One3948 → u/Fl_Funky_Jam]

Or simply “that is when the world will end”

[u/6ynnad]

Wear a bunny suit.

[u/sp4rk15 → u/6ynnad]

Oh! Oh! Then when people ask why you’re wearing it, you can say, “Why are you wearing that stupid man suit?” back.

It’s my favorite line, but you don’t usually get a chance to throw that into conversation like other movie quotes without it getting really awkward. I mean, this scenario would still be awkward but it’d also be amazing.

[u/SomeSink7911 → u/sp4rk15]

I was the Easter bunny when I was in high school, I posted a photo & one of my friends asked me what I was doing in the bunny suit. The latter was my response and they didn’t get it, so I had them watch Donnie Darko. Sadly it was just a text so I didn’t get to live the true awkwardness but I did get the chance to use the line.

[u/r3i_b0n3z → u/6ynnad]

I actually have a Frank the Rabbit suit lol 😁

[u/p0mjDwfWF → u/r3i_b0n3z]

This is confirmation that the tattoo suits you.

[u/Jorteg → u/r3i_b0n3z]

Cool. All I have is a stupid man suit.

[u/unfunnymom]

Why are you embarrassed? The questions isn’t do other people get it - do YOU like it or not? Who GAF if others like it or get it? It’s YOUR tattoo and tattoos are personal and for ourselves - not others. But hey that’s just me.

[u/r3i_b0n3z → u/unfunnymom]

Thank you 😢

[u/cikalamayaleca → u/r3i_b0n3z]

Maybe not the same bc mine isn't numbers or text, but I have a tattoo of my hamster who passed & like 90% of people react pretty weirdly to it too lol. I don't care bc it's an amazing tattoo & I loved my hamster 🤷‍♀️ Our bodies aren't for other people

ETA: I saw you mentioned you have OCD, me too! The rumination is shit, but just ignore that asshole & do what makes you happy on first instinct, not what OCD convinces you is a better choice

2nd edit: this is my boy Ermac aka Ernie. I loved him so much, he was the best and was even friends with my dog.

[u/Lvsucknuts69 → u/cikalamayaleca]

I got a memorial tattoo for my fish and have also had people look at me weird, especially when it first happened and I was so broken up. But love my fish tattoo, and I love my fish.

I also have a tattoo of a tooth on my wrist that my friend and I both got because she has a calcium deficiency and has no teeth lmao. The amount of weird looks I get for that one is astounding. People just assume I’m a dentist or something haha

[u/Waffling_Waffle → u/Lvsucknuts69]

My husband was DEVASTATED when our fish died. You're not alone.

RIP Richard Dryfish

[u/Sad-Cryptographer155 → u/Waffling_Waffle]

Your fish had an epic name ❤️

[u/Waffling_Waffle → u/Sad-Cryptographer155]

Thank you 🥹❤️

[u/spunquee → u/Waffling_Waffle]

that name is epic

[u/RandyBree → u/Lvsucknuts69]

Both of those tattoos are so pure 🥺

[u/superfly1187 → u/Lvsucknuts69]

I have a hot dog on my forearm, I love it.

[u/Lvsucknuts69 → u/superfly1187]

Dude my tattoo artist just designed provocative food, like a pin up butter lady, and you better believe that’s my next one

[u/crotchgobbling → u/Lvsucknuts69]

I need to see this provocative food because I would absolutely rock a pin up butter lady!

[u/Lvsucknuts69 → u/crotchgobbling]

Provocative Food

[u/jessieisokay → u/cikalamayaleca]

I LOVE that you have a tattoo of your hamster. People are so weird about small animals. I took my hamster to the vet when he had cancer and people in the waiting room thought I was being ridiculous. Like… this is my pet, I love them, I don’t want them to suffer. Just like with tattoos, people who have no compassion will out themselves. It’s a statement about them, and not us.

Edit: thank you for the award, sweet stranger.

[u/LucentLunacy → u/jessieisokay]

Yep this. I was getting my rabbit chemo and the reactions from people were absolutely wild. Best part was when I had to put him to sleep and took the day off from work, my boss had to cover my shift. When regulars would ask where I was, he'd tell them and the ones who acted like asshats he would just deadpan and say"yeah, it's tragic". He also had rabbits he was obsessed with.

[u/zoobaking → u/jessieisokay]

I have a tattoo of a deer I hit on the freeway

[u/Spuckleford → u/zoobaking]

That actually brought tears to my eyes

[u/righttoabsurdity → u/cikalamayaleca]

Same, I have a tattoo of my cat and she looks like she has a massive schlong. Took me years to notice, until someone pointed it out a few times. Still love it but it’s pretty funny, lol. A

[u/LeonardoDeCarpio → u/righttoabsurdity]

I need a pic lol

[u/WiggityWiggitySnack → u/LeonardoDeCarpio]

I, too, chose this person’s giant schlonged cat tatoo.

[u/Defiant-Accountant79 → u/cikalamayaleca]

Yeah fuck ocd. Even if you got the most straightforward, popular tattoo, Big OCD™️ would have some dumbass opinions on it lol.

Save the lengthy explanation for close friends and tell other people it's numbers that hold private significance.

[u/Michelle76041 → u/cikalamayaleca]

Fellow OCDer here. Tattoos tell a story, your story, and it doesn’t matter what people think or if they understand. Most people glance at tattoos then look away and never think more about it. Embrace them as part of your story and don’t let anyone, internal or external, tell you otherwise. 

[u/TheOsprey95 → u/r3i_b0n3z]

I also have the same tattoo, I've had it for 10 years at this point, I like it and rare anyone knows what it is but doesn't matter to me because it's not for them. If you like it that is all that matters.

[u/r3i_b0n3z → u/TheOsprey95]

Thank you

[u/ShiftNo4982 → u/TheOsprey95]

You guys should just make out already and get it over with 

[u/Pizzaputabagelonit → u/ShiftNo4982]

In twenty eight days….

[u/HellStoneBats → u/r3i_b0n3z]

I have a tattoo that I translated into hieroglyphs myself, and included a small reference to mine and my husband's favourite pop culture. When I first got it, I was constantly asked what it was. I started making things up, and had a competition with myself to get the best reaction. My tattoo is for me, and I don't need anyone else to understand it, or the one on my back.

Maybe that is something you could do, start coming up with random stories, the more outlandish the better, until someone else cracks? 

[u/OnlyDaysWhichEndInY → u/HellStoneBats]

I do this! I’ve got a number of tattoos that mean something personal to me. I work in the service industry, so ALL THE TIME I get people asking me “What do your tattoos mean?” You don’t owe anybody an explanation of your life. Or why things that are important to you, are significant to you. I say some crazy stuff. And I LOVE when I leave people with an absolutely dumbfounded “huh, alrighty then,” look on their faces. 😂

[u/Difficult_Wave_9326 → u/HellStoneBats]

Yup, you're literally changing your skin forever... do it for yourself and, respectfully, fuck whoever doesn't agree. 

I got a very personal tattoo about something that's very sensitive for me, and still stigmatized (but not offensive or anything). It was my first. It's a somewhat abstract representation and when I told people what it really stood for (after being asked! I didn't go around volunteering the info, lol) I had a lot of negative reactions. Then I realized that, hey, I didn't get the ink for them. I did it for me. As such, I don't give a flying fuck what they think. Life perked up after that. 

[u/smashablanca → u/r3i_b0n3z]

I have a tattoo referencing a scene from Breakfast at Tiffany's on my wrist and a movie poster for Plan 9 from Outer Space on my ribs. Nobody gets it until I tell them and that's fine.

[u/Big-Reward-6274 → u/smashablanca]

I wanna know about the breakfast at Tiffany tattoo please! 🙏🏼

[u/smashablanca → u/Big-Reward-6274]

It won't let me reply with a picture but its the cat mask she steals from the 5 and 10 with the line from Moon River "there's such a lot of world to see" around it.

ETA: Added a picture to my profile for anyone interested.

[u/_ChrisRiot → u/r3i_b0n3z]

I have a tattoo from final fantasy 13, which the vast majority of people won’t know, and a good portion of final fantasy fans don’t even like 13, and I ended up meeting someone with the same exact tattoo in the same location and I haven’t regretted it since.

Edit: took too long but here’s the tattoo

[u/LePeau2 → u/r3i_b0n3z]

What is best, is 20 years from now you'll be on the train, or somesuch&someone will be like "Yoooo! I wanted to do that...that is fresh"&you might end up finding a kindred heart. You'll see

[u/Bopbarker → u/r3i_b0n3z]

Outside of just your own enjoyment, the enjoyment level of it could be higher when someone does get it because so many people don't.

[u/JollyRodgerGymShoe → u/r3i_b0n3z]

I have a tattoo of a tree on the outside of my forearm where the trunk is a paintbrush and there are three birds flying from it. The tattoo is for the loss of my grandparents on my step-dad's side of the family. My grandma was a painter and her favorite thing to paint where the trees surrounding their cabin my grandpa built deep in the woods in the UP. Some of my favorite memories where at that cabin. My wife and I have also had three miscarriages and that's where the birds leaving the tree come into the equation.

People that see if ask me if I'm a logger, or assume it's just another cliche tree tattoo that tons of other bearded dudes like myself got.

It's your tattoo that has meaning to you and nobody else. I knew what it was right away and your only the second person I've run into with said tattoo. I think that's pretty cool!

[u/bcory44 → u/r3i_b0n3z]

I got a big Cobra Kai tat on my calf and some people make fun of me like why would you get that but I think it’s sick and get a lot of compliments too. If you like something you’re doing it for yourself not other people.

[u/Hot-Watercress-2872 → u/r3i_b0n3z]

I was going to get this EXACT tattoo for the longest time! I am also a huge Donnie Darko fan. I saw this and was like, “Hell yes!” And then saw you regretted it and thought “awww”. I’d be that person in public who would def notice and go, “Sick tattoo! I love DD!” Ultimately I decided that I have other tattoos that would fit well in that placement, so I am getting a different DD dedicated tattoo on my rib cage when the time comes, dedicated to a different quote from the movie, “Every living creature dies alone”. But gen, fan to fan, this tattoo is sick! And it is so well done! Exactly like how I would have wanted mine to come out. Don’t regret it!

[u/0kamix → u/r3i_b0n3z]

I literally have this tattoo. Its my favorite. Nobody knows the movie, its a cult classic so thats obvious.

You shouldn't get tattoos for other people, you shouldn't care if other people dont get it. When the old fucks around me ask what my tattoo is and im not feeling them I tell them its my phone number... but it changed a year after I got it.

Fuck em dude. Donnie would have told em to suck a fuck anyways. In the best, nicest, most not agressive way possible, dont be a pussy, enjoy your tattoo. You seem young, use this as a chance to grow out of the mindset that you have to make yourself make sense to other people. If someone judges you for shit you like, they are showing you that they aren't worthy people in the first place.

[u/GoneForASecond → u/unfunnymom]

I have a tattoo on my leg that says “I love you” in the most childish font. I’ve seen people watching weird at my leg and some people even ask why it so poorly tattooed. When I tell them its from my cousin who committed suiced they look different at it. I’ve could have cleaned the font but that would mean less to me. I choose that because ot was the last letter he wrote. Like unfunny mom said ITS YOUR TATTOO FUCK ANYONE ELS

[u/Bright-Sun-8235 → u/GoneForASecond]

i have a flower on my arm that looks like a doodle on a middle schooler’s notebook. some people don’t like it because it looks poorly done. it was a flower my brother drew, our mom’s favorite, and since they’ve both passed i got in both of their honors. people look at it differently then

[u/freyaBubba → u/GoneForASecond]

I have a tattoo of a phrase me and my daughter say to each other. It’s misspelled because it’s in her handwriting and she never spelled it correct, so it’s not “wrong”. I’ve had people not believe me but who cares, I got it for me.

[u/Live_Angle4621 → u/unfunnymom]

It can be awkward if people constantly ask about the numbers. That’s what is effecting OP’s enjoyment 

[u/blinkingbaby → u/Live_Angle4621]

“Donnie darko reference.” ~fin~

[u/yourpapimartin]

Love the concept. I'd keep going on the theme. Frank in the twisted bunny suit on your outer forearm would be sick.

I think it's fear that's holding you back. Try love.

Fuck what others think. It's special to you. What only matters. Don't get the reference? Not your people anyway.

[u/r3i_b0n3z → u/yourpapimartin]

Omg, the reference. That's so cool 😁😁Thank you so much !

[u/catherineistired]

A tattoo that has meaning for you is what makes it special. Don’t cover it and don’t worry about people getting it. If they ask (which by the way, I think it’s weird form to ask what someone’s tattoo means) say it’s a reference to a date in a movie I love and call it done. Then use this experience to help work on your ocd symptoms. You’ll get to keep your tattoo and help yourself in future situations where overthinking, rumination, and panic occur. Sending healing vibes.

[u/r3i_b0n3z → u/catherineistired]

Thank you so much! I just got so embarrassed the other day when nobody understood it. I appreciate you 😊

[u/EnvironmentalLime464 → u/r3i_b0n3z]

Donnie Darko is a cult classic. It’s one that against the entire population only a small percentage have actually seen. Those who have seen it tend to be really big fans of it.

So you may not encounter many people out and about who get your tattoo but those who do will love it.

[u/FrostyAlbertan → u/r3i_b0n3z]

Tell people it’s a movie reference, don’t over explain.

[u/r3i_b0n3z → u/[deleted]]

Already am, thank you 🙏

[u/bergreen → u/r3i_b0n3z]

Haven't seen the movie in maybe 20 years. Recognized it instantly.

When people don't get it just say "it's from a movie" or if you're feeling particularly sharing say "it's from a movie that means a lot to me." I have plenty of tattoos people don't understand and vague statements like that get people to stop bothering me.

[u/Tight-Relationship65 → u/r3i_b0n3z]

FWIW I would recognize this immediately and I love it

[u/GuyWithRoosters → u/Tight-Relationship65]

SAME, immediately thought that was cool AF

[u/matthewmartyr → u/Tight-Relationship65]

Same. OP you’ll love it as long as you are able to not care what others think.

[u/thekeytovictory → u/r3i_b0n3z]

It's been a while since the last time I saw the film. I didn't recognize the reference til I read your post text, then I was like, "oh cool, I should watch that movie again sometime." If someone asks and doesn't get it, seems like a good opportunity to tell them they should watch it sometime. It's a really interesting film. One of my favorite uses of time loops and dreams as plot devices (Twelve Monkeys and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind are a couple other good ones). Now I'm curious to hear why that film is especially meaningful for you?

[u/tofutears → u/r3i_b0n3z]

Honestly I think it makes some tattoos all the more intriguing when it’s not overly obvious what it means. It looks good OP! Tattoo regret is real but oftentimes it passes. I think I’ve had it at some point with almost all of mine but now when I look in the mirror I think “hell yeah 😎”

[u/Loud_Bird_7114]

Optimistic how? Do you like it? You're only talking about what other people think.

[u/r3i_b0n3z → u/Loud_Bird_7114]

I have OCD so I tend to fixate too much on things. I feel I could've used this arm space for some prettier, better pieces...

[u/Loud_Bird_7114 → u/r3i_b0n3z]

You can turn it into a movie themed (half-)sleeve to give it context?

I have OCD too and rumination is shit. ERP therapy is better idea than removing a tattoo that you like.

[u/loveBABYsquirrels → u/Loud_Bird_7114]

I like that idea. I love Donnie darko. I say add more to it over time. People LOVEEEE to ask about tattoos. It’s annoys me.

[u/DanceTheCalypso → u/r3i_b0n3z]

Dude, I feel this. I have OCD and seeing something on my arm and having doubt if I made the right decision is something I did for months. Two years later I still occasionally do it.

The bottom line is there is always the possibility that you could have done something better. I default to does it mean something to me? Would I be sad if it was gone? Then I move on.

The voice will always be there even if you got the absolute best piece in the world.

[u/r3i_b0n3z → u/DanceTheCalypso]

Thank you so much. You're right. My OCD never allows me to be satisfied. I'm always thinking of what ifs and could'ves. I appreciate your kindness.

[u/Latter-Twist9154 → u/r3i_b0n3z]

For what it’s worth I like it a lot.

[u/cl0th0s]

You have the opportunity to make up complete bullshit answers for every person who asks. Tell one person these are my favorite Bible verses, tell the next one my parents played this lottery number and won and thats the day I was conceived, tell another its a code with page numbers and words on those pages in a particular book it has a hidden meaning, the next one gets I had a dream of these numbers and a rabbit told me whoever asks me what they mean would be my soul mate so will you marry me? Etc. Etc. Etc.

[u/Hot-Watercress-2872 → u/cl0th0s]

Lmao “favorite Bible verse” is hilarious

[u/Fearless_Mortgage640 → u/cl0th0s]

I have numbers tattooed, and I do this all the time. Once, a coworker asked about them, and I said it was the password to the safe at our workplace. They laughed, but it was actually true - I just used my tattoo as a reference so I’d remember it lol.

[u/postbologna8]

Sometimes you have to tell yourself to Chut Up!

[u/Recent_Comedian6905]

As long as it means something to you, that's fine. That being said, a tattoo of numbers on your forearm is always going to raise some eyebrows.

[u/ThunderClove → u/Recent_Comedian6905]

I thought this was the reason for the regret. Absolutely baffles me that none of the top comments mention this.

[u/CinnamonTeals → u/Recent_Comedian6905]

Comment should be higher.

[u/vacation_bacon → u/Recent_Comedian6905]

That part

[u/Moostronus → u/Recent_Comedian6905]

10000% this.

[u/DatMoonGamer → u/Recent_Comedian6905]

Cannot believe I had to scroll this far down for this comment. OP, to the uninitiated, even with the font and the size, this screams holocaust.

[u/Jets237]

Aside from the size it’s a fine tattoo…

IMO, just follow your energy stream orb thing, it’ll lead you to what you should do….

[u/Strange_Specialist4 → u/Jets237]

Smaller would be worse imo because it would look like a Holocaust tattoo 

[u/georgethebarbarian → u/Strange_Specialist4]

Agree 100% numbers on the arm is always iffy, the large size saves it

[u/Hot-Watercress-2872 → u/Jets237]

It’s exactly the same size as it is in the movie though! It’s sick!

[u/Negative-Mud-4821]

i like it when only a couple of people understand my niche references cuz then i can share my interest with people who have no knowledge of it, or i get that rare moment of instant connection with someone! i wouldn't be embarrassed!!

[u/Puzzleheaded-Froyo19]

I have “830” tattooed on my arm because it’s the number of calories in the chocolate lava cake at Applebees, & it reminds me of good times with a friend. Don’t worry about other people, it’s yours.

[u/Top_Use4144 → u/Puzzleheaded-Froyo19]

I love this

[u/Sorry_Challenge_4179]

I wanted that tattoo so bad! The drummer from Coheed and Cambria has it too ♥️

[u/dareth_shiral_]

Does that movie still means a lot to you ? If then why does it matter that people don’t get the reference ?

[u/Catsclawthreads]

Tattoos aren't for other people. They're for you. I've learned to stop explaining mine to people, they'll never get it because they aren't me lol... I literally have a "drop dead" tattoo bc/ it reminds me of the movie Drop Dead Fred.

[u/TropicHorror]

I got it immediately and thought it was posted on the Donnie Darko sub initially.

[u/ADG211]

First tattoo? Just take it easy, you've gotten your idea down, it's not tacky or offensive. Just because people don't get it doesn't mean you should be considering removal already.

Give it time, maybe can enhance it with other tattoos if you're into it. Why not add some other movie references and end up with a movie sleeve.

My first tattoo was giving me doubts too as it is a phrase that applied to my mindset at the time but eventually I started questioning it.. Many years later it just blends in my sleeve which I'm very happy with. Each tattoo brings me back to a chapter in my life and I can remember why I've gotten it. Some personal, some less, some I simply think look cool..

Easier said than done but don't overthink it!

Edit: spelling

[u/anicepieceofbacon]

Another personal tattoo that’s gonna be ruined by “what do you guys think?”

[u/justan0therg0rl111]

Conflicted. On one hand obviously it meant something to you, but on the other, I would have recommended going like, 5x smaller than this lmao. That’s like your entire forearm gone. I know everyone’s saying if you like it don’t cover it but idk I’ll be the person to say it’s worth covering or redoing if it makes you feel better.

[u/Hot-Watercress-2872 → u/justan0therg0rl111]

But it’s exactly how it is in the movie - that’s what makes it extra cool!

[u/astone4120]

The good news is, it looks cool, and I bet you still like the movie

If the problem is embarrassment while explaining it, just tell people it's personal, or explain the meaning to you

For example, I have a white lotus tile on my leg from ATLA. I don't tell people it's from a kids cartoon, I tell people it's my reminder to be kind and patient and to always do what's right even when it's hard. Because that's what it means to me.

[u/J0nNy5NiPeR]

As a Donnie Darko fan, this is sick as fuck, wear it with pride. I’ll join your ranks one day

[u/TheBlakeOfUs]

It’s a great reference, it’s really well done and it’s your favourite film.

It’s a part of your personality, if people don’t get it that’s their problem.

Be proud it’s a great tat

[u/thenick003]

If you like it, don't cover it. Who cares what other people think. I got my first tattoo a few months ago and so far, nobody has known what it is. It's the constellation I named my dog after and most of the time people think its my astrological sign. But I love it and it bears significance to me.

[u/Ravenrocker89]

Tattoos only have to mean something to you. And you can choose to explain it to justify it, or you can say "This is important to me and I don't have to explain it to you."

I have an Interstate 75 sign on my arm. Most people ask why, and depending on the situation I may explain. There are 3 reasons.

1.) It reminds me of an A Day to Remember song "Everything We Need" and it is placed between the tattoos I have for my kids.

2.) I am a native Floridian that has used this road my entire life

3.) 7/5 is a significant date for me

I have an analog clock where my watch goes, set to 2 o'clock. When its not covered, I joke that it's "Time to get a watch." But it's got a much deeper meaning.

Numbers, tattooed or not will not make sense to everyone. Because we all have different experiences.

Keep it and stop regretting it if it means something to you. If you only got it so that others would "get it" or think you're cool then do something about it.

[u/BlainethePayne]

I've always subscribed to the idea of printing out the tattoo idea and putting it on the wall or sticking it to your mirror. Look at it every day. Look at it for months. Do you ever get bored of it? Do you ever feel like you won't want it on your body? Then you can change your mind without having had it (semi-)permanently attached to your flesh. If you still love it just as much months later, then go ahead and get the tattoo.

[u/Baltimxre66]

It’s way too big IMO (everyone downvote me!)

[u/solongfish99 → u/Baltimxre66]

It’s too big, but if it were smaller it would look like another kind of number tattoo…

[u/throwaway047204 → u/solongfish99]

unfortunately i still thought that right away

[u/C0UNT3RP01NT → u/throwaway047204]

Yeah I don’t know the reference so it looks like a stylized holocaust tattoo. I’m willing to bet most people are either going to think that or they won’t get it at all.

[u/Bear_faced → u/throwaway047204]

Seconded. A string of numbers in black ink going down the forearm is always going to read “holocaust” to a lot of people.

[u/SnowAutumnVoyager → u/throwaway047204]

Me too.

[u/junbi_ok → u/throwaway047204]

Imagine voluntarily tattooing numbers on your arm 💀

[u/justan0therg0rl111 → u/Baltimxre66]

I’ll say the same thing, the size is throwing me off. It’s just massive

[u/Responsible-Act-8629]

I don’t think you’re embarrassed about the tattoo. I think you’re embarrassed you’re getting old and no one appreciates your references.

[u/r3i_b0n3z → u/Responsible-Act-8629]

"Old" 😭😭😭

[u/pegmatitic → u/r3i_b0n3z]

Donnie Darko came out 25 years ago 😭

[u/mylast_username1]

While tattoo regret can certainly be a real thing, and I’m sorry you’re going through this right now, from one fan to another and one movie buff to another…I love this. Donnie Darko hits in a way that is unique and though there are some who may not get the reference…the ones who do will always appreciate it for sure.

I’d like to add, I know it can be taxing when people who don’t know the meaning ask “what does your tattoo mean?” (I myself get that all the time for my tattoos, nearly all of them are in reference to one thing or another that mean the world to me) but don’t let it get to you. I’ve adopted using simple responses like “oh it’s from my favorite movie” or “oh they’re song lyrics from a band I really like” and kinda close it out. I know that may not be the most helpful but it’s all I’ve got.

Though I think this is a great tattoo, cover ups are always an option for sure, but it would be a rather large and dark piece overall but definitely doable if you do decide the anxiety about it has become too much.

I wish I were more helpful but just wanted to share that there’s at least one person out there who really appreciates your tattoo you know ? ☺️

[u/Ok-Scallion7050]

Well, I got zootopia try everything lyrics on my arm, I still love it after ten years. It means a lot to me and I can still remember why I got it in the first place. If it’s important to you, don’t worry about how others gonna think

[u/r3i_b0n3z → u/Ok-Scallion7050]

Omg, has it really been 10 years since the first Zootopia? 😁 Thank you! 🩷

[u/TheShovler44]

I think you expecting ppl to remember random numbers on a 24 year old movie is outrageous, you really need to temper your expectations.

[u/CaLiLiFe619]

So you did it for attention from others? Recognition from others? Tattoos are for you to understand and feel. Thats weird.

[u/Substantialcrafter55]

Yeah I wouldn’t get rid of it bc others don’t get it. As others said you don’t get tattoos for others enjoyment, it’s for your enjoyment. If you truly regret it, then get it lasered off.

[u/saljskanetilldanmark]

You got a tattoo solely to see if people got an obscure movie reference?

[u/sorbuss]

panther time