A woman was left in tears after getting a sentimental matching tattoo with her friend – as it ended up looking rather rude.
A woman’s attempt to commemorate her friendship with a meaningful tattoo has gone viral for all the wrong reasons. Instead of a sentimental design, the inking ended up causing tears—but not the happy kind.
The Risk of Permanent Choices
When it comes to tattoos, it’s a well-known fact that the decision is permanent. This is why it’s important to carefully consider the design and placement before committing to something you’ll carry for life. Unfortunately, one TikToker, Alaina Nicole, learned this lesson the hard way.
Nicole and her close friend had decided to get matching tattoos as a heartfelt tribute to their bond. They opted for a design featuring a butterfly, which was meant to symbolize transformation and friendship. However, the final result wasn’t what they had envisioned.
The Viral Tattoo Mishap
The intended design involved each friend getting half of a butterfly tattooed on their arm. When placed together, the tattoos were supposed to form a complete butterfly. The concept was similar to the ‘best friend’ necklaces popular in the ‘90s.
However, without the other half of the design nearby, the tattoo took on an entirely unintended appearance. To Nicole’s dismay, her butterfly wing looked suspiciously phallic when viewed on its own. Upon seeing the result, she burst into tears, sharing her regret with her TikTok followers.
Social Media Reacts
Nicole’s post quickly gained traction, with many viewers expressing shock and sympathy.
One user speculated that the tattoo artist may have done it intentionally, writing: “Whoever did this knew. They knew.” Another agreed, saying, “The tattoo ‘artist’ knew what they were doing.”
Others, however, defended the artist, pointing out that the final product closely resembled the original design.
“I mean, is it me, or does it look exactly the same?” asked one commenter. Another suggested, “I think it’s the placement. It should be on your fingers, not your arm.”
Fixing the Situation
In response to the backlash, some users offered creative solutions to salvage the tattoo.
“What if you each completed the other half and then colored in opposite halves? That could be a potential fix,” one person proposed. Another suggested finishing the design to include more detail, ensuring it looked like a butterfly wing regardless of its placement.
Nicole later shared that she and her friend had amended the tattoos. By creating a new shared emblem, they were able to transform the unintentionally suggestive designs into something they both loved. Most importantly, the updated tattoos no longer invited awkward interpretations.
While Nicole’s story has brought plenty of laughs online, it also serves as a cautionary tale. Tattoos may be a beautiful way to commemorate relationships and milestones, but careful planning is essential to avoid mishaps. For Nicole and her friend, what started as a tearful experience ultimately became a humorous memory they’ll share for years to come.