Man Reveals His Co-Worker Was Shocked by His Tattoos — but Here’s Why He Doesn’t ‘Blame’ Her (Exclusive)

Man Reports Co-Worker’s Reaction to His Tattoos

A man recently shared his experience of feeling shocked when his co-worker reacted to his tattoos for the first time. DJ, who is 32 years old and works in higher education, discussed how his appearance has impacted his professional relationships, friendships, and confidence in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE.

DJ has accumulated several tattoos since 2019 and decided to open up about his experience on social media in July. He recounted an incident where an older colleague at a work-related event, attended by academics, city officials, and government members, appeared to judge him upon seeing his tattoos for the first time. The Arizona resident noted a subtle shift in his co-worker’s demeanor, indicating surprise at his inked appearance.

In a conversation with PEOPLE, DJ reflected on the incident, acknowledging that while his colleague’s reaction was not hostile, it was clear that she did not expect his appearance to be as it was based on their previous interactions conducted remotely. Despite the initial surprise, DJ does not hold any ill feelings towards his co-worker, recognising the contrast between his spoken professionalism and tattooed appearance.

DJ’s tattoos hold personal significance, with many reflecting nature-inspired elements such as mountains, oceans, trees, and animals. These tattoos symbolise his childhood spent outdoors and serve as a way for him to honour significant places and moments in his life. His inked journey began at 26 with tattoos of the mountains of his upbringing and a portrait of his family dog.

The 32-year-old proudly displays his tattoos, which cover both arms, predominantly through a casual style. While he acknowledges that he can conceal them when necessary, DJ has been fortunate to work in environments, such as social sciences, humanities, arts, design, and landscape architecture, where his tattoos are generally accepted. He attributes the positive reception of his tattoos to the inclusive company cultures he has been a part of throughout his career.

Despite encountering occasional surprise from colleagues, DJ believes that his tattoos have fostered closer connections with some clients and colleagues. However, he also shared the challenges he faced when friendships shifted following his decision to get tattoos. In his view, some individuals struggled to reconcile his tattooed appearance with their conservative upbringing, leading to their disapproval and eventual distancing.

In addition to the personal significance of his tattoos, DJ sees them as a form of self-expression that challenges stereotypes and promotes acceptance. He emphasises that individuals with tattoos can hold diverse professional roles, including lawyers, academics, carpenters, doctors, and parents, among others. Through sharing his story, DJ hopes to challenge preconceived notions and demonstrate that tattoos do not define a person’s capabilities or character.

In conclusion, DJ’s experience navigating professional and personal relationships with tattoos highlights the complexity of identity expression and societal perceptions. His journey serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing individuality and challenging stereotypes in diverse environments. As attitudes towards tattoos continue to evolve, stories like DJ’s provide valuable insights into the intersection of appearance, self-expression, and acceptance in various settings.