Is it socially acceptable to comment on someone's visible tattoo?

Question

Is it polite to comment on someone's visible tattoo if you meet that person say, waiting in line or serving you at a restaurant?

I only comment if I have something nice to say, such as offering a compliment. But, is that bad or good? If you respond, please mention whether or not you have a visible tattoo.

Answer 1

I have a visible tattoo and people ask me about it all the time. I don't think there is anything wrong with that. When you get a tattoo, especially in a visible place, you have to expect some kind of attention.....good question.

Answer 2

Most of the people I know who have visible tattoos are delighted to discuss them, especially if you make a positive comment.



I don't have a visible tattoo, but am married to a man who does, and have many friends who do. I personally don't like them, but recognize it is a personal opinion.



There are times it would NOT be good, however, to comment on a tattoo. For example, if you see it through a shirt, they are trying to cover it and it is better to "not notice" it - unless you are their friend and want to let them know you can see it.



Also, the venue is important. In line at a store is fine. However if they are serving you at a sit down restaurant, it is probably not a good idea - if their manager overhears, they may find that the tattoo is unacceptable.

Answer 3

I don't mind when people ask me about mine. There is a story behind each one...none of them were impulse tattoos. I thought long and hard about each one and why I was getting them.



I will comment on one I see if it catches my eye. I have seen some really beautiful work with some tattoos and I am curious to know about them. Usually, the person is happy to indulge me. If not, I don't take offense.



I don't think it's improper to ask someone. Chances are that they will tell you. If they don't, don't take it personally.



EMT

Answer 4

i would love it if someone made a comment on a tattoo i had. you just have to be careful not to ask too many questions cause some people get the name or a symbol of a loved one put on them that may be dead. that could bring up painful memories and start a long drawn out conversation when you might just be in a hurry for a coffee or something.



i have two tattoos on my ankles and one on my lower back.

Answer 5

I think its good, but the thing is if you're complimenting a stranger you dont really know them or how they would take the compliment. Also tattoos can be really personal. I know its weird. If its something personal then why do they want they put it up for the rest of the world to see it, right? But its much safer to sometimes keep things to yourself.

Answer 6

I have never had a tattoo, but I would suspect that one of the reasons that people get them is to be noticed. So I would see no problem telling someone that you liked their tattoo. They would probably be flattered. But if you had something bad to say, then don't say it.

Answer 7

It's visible right? So they want you to see it. Comment if you like. No tattoos for me!

Answer 8

I don't mind when people ask me about mine if they're just curious or whatever. But, there are those out there who still live in the stone age and find them "offensive". I had a boss who was like that and she made me paranoid about showing my tattoos.

Answer 9

i do have a visible tattoo (on my wrist) and i do think it is completely fine to comment others when i see them. they are like body art and commenting on someone's is like saying you have a nice piece of art on your body. i wish more people would comment on mine.

Answer 10

i have several tattoos - i dont find it rude at all when someone asks me about them - after all they are there to tell a story

Answer 11

if i see something i like on a person ..i have to comment...i seen an older lady and she looked great...so i told her...she was pleased

Answer 12

depends where the tatoo is. haha if the tatoo was on the lower back and you saw it while a girl was bending down or something that would be inappropriate

Answer 13

I think it's okay as long as you aren't being obnoxious about it. If they didn't want anyone to notice it, they would cover it up. I don't have any tatts, I'm too chicken!

Answer 14

I think it's ok .............sometimes I forget that I have one until someone makes a comment about it

Answer 15

no...it's not rude.. thats why they have them in a visiable spot..to be noticed...if they didnt want them commented on they should've put it in a diff place

Answer 16

What was the line?



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