Lived Experience Forum

[Anastasia]

Just watching a Netflix movie, early night I think @saltandpepper 

Wbu? What time is your appointment tomorrow. My boys is 11

[saltandpepper]

Early night for me too @Anastasia what are ya watching?

Whenever I get there which is pretty sweet 🤙 debating whether to bring a drink or 2 with me. Getting myself all worked up about the being touched thing. Hate it. Wish I wasn't like this. 

[Anastasia]

I'm sorry @saltandpepper it would be very difficult and confronting. Are there any techniques you can use to minimise the trauma around it? 

Would they let you drink? I wouldn't have thought so due to bl00d thinner

[Anastasia]

P.S 

I think you are very brave @saltandpepper 

[saltandpepper]

Yeah I dunno @Anastasia the last place I went to everyone was drinking and trying to shove beers in my hand. I hate beer though. So yeah, dunno maybe 1 or 2 isn't a big deal. Only one way to find out haha Mind you I've never seen people actively encourage drinking at tattoo studios before

Yeah I don't know, can't think of anything really. I guess drinking tends to be my go-to. I'm just hoping I'll be better this time given I'll be able to see what's happening. I don't know. I don't know what to do. Hate that I'm getting anxious about it though. Like it's fine. Nothing's gonna happen. It's fine. Why do I gotta be so jumpy all the fu*king time for?

[saltandpepper]

Ha nope. Not me @Anastasia maybe I used to be. Or maybe I just used to be too angry to care. 

[Anastasia]

Cause of the sh1t that others have caused in your life, that's why. You have every reason to be feeling these things.

@saltandpepper 

What about I come with you? Do you have a shirt with a pocket? I can hang in there and if anyone so much as looks sideways at you they'll have me to contend with.

Trust me they'll be scared 😜

[saltandpepper]

Hmm, you know I think that's kind of made it click. It's a private studio. So just this tattoo artist. Just him and me. Maybe that's what's setting me off. Fu*k. Ugh God damn it.

Haha @Anastasia nah I'd have to keep you in my pocket. Couldn't risk letting you out or else that list of mine might get way too long. I can't backhand someone while I'm getting inked. I'd end up with a big black line going all up my arm.

[Anastasia]

Ah I understand. Could you take someone? Your brother? A friend? 

@saltandpepper 

[saltandpepper]

Nah @Anastasia never taken anyone with me before, not going to start doing that now. I am the master of my brain! Well, sometimes. Not really. I don't like indulging my irrational fears. I'll keep you in my pocket though, that'll help