We've combed our Tattoo Talk Forum and selected some of the more touching, humorous and odder stories that our users have posted.  Below is a selection of those tales.  Check back to this page, as we will be updating it with fresh stories.

Also, if you have a great tattoo tale, share it with us! [Note: You must be a member of My TLC to post in our forums.  Click to register with us.]

The 1st tattoo I ever got was a lion on my right arm. For some strange reason I thought tattoos where painted on.  I know what you're thinking, that I am a stupid git!

Well, when I sat down in the chair and felt the needle go I nearly screamed. I was thinking this is very painful paint! After I got over the pain and saw my tattoo, I was  happy and it wasnt long before I got another lion on my left arm.
- ajswmurray

I got my first [tattoo] last July, and two more just this weekend.  My mom thinks anything other than a single ear piercing is "weird" and "gross."  She flipped when I got a second hole in my ear. Even though I'm well into adulthood, I simply don't see the need to bother her with the fact that I have any tattoos.  I think she'll manage to live a happy and contented life without knowing! 
- smarti22

I was 32 by the time I got enough courage to get my first tattoo. I knew what I wanted for five years.  My best friend and I had just left a hockey game when she wanted to go get tattoos. I agreed.  Because I am scared of needles she talked to each tattoo artist to find out which one had the lightest hand.  I sat down to get my first tattoo while she was across from me getting her second tattoo (dolphins). She waited for me to cry because of the pain, didn't happen. That tattoo is of "Dopey" from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. 

Two years later my best friend passed away and it didn't take me long to get another tattoo to remember her by — a dolphin, jumping out of the water and her name in the water. 

She would have loved every minute of me getting that tattoo because it hurt! [I]didn't cry but almost passed out.  I have said that that one will be my last tattoo but I already have ideas for more. 
- ing916

I too passed out when I got my 1st [tat]. I was at a swap meet/show and in a booth surrounded by big, tough tattooed men drinking beer. I get in the chair and get settled in — had been too nervous to eat or drink anything. The tat is on my lower tummy/hip area so my pants were undone a bit. I didn't want to breathe and move the tat area. 

Yeah, no sugar in my bloodstream, no oxygen going in and out, I woke up looking at the ceiling, surrounded by artists and tough tattooed guys (who were snickering). I was brought a [soda] and a candy bar, given a minute and was told that my artist could work with a moving canvas but not a comatose one on the floor!  He also said he would beat up any of the guys that laughed at me. He got tipped well.
- bunzie66

I am 44 and got my first tattoo at the age of 20. I never regretted getting it, it just didn't turn out the way I thought it would. 

Instead of looking like a heart with intertwining vines, it kind of looked like a strawberry.  So, two years ago I had it covered with a purple and black Celtic knot. 

There is no possible way you could ever tell that something else was underneath.
I think I made a good decision and am so much happier with what I have now.

- moaks