This tiny bug tattoo caused domestic chaos but became a great example of relationship communication

A small tattoo idea featuring a colorful insect nearly caused a domestic standoff. Fortunately, as was reported in Newsweek, the couple involved took a crucial pause, talked it out, and reached an adorably sweet resolution.

The woman, user atomiclightbulb, originally posted on Reddit’s AITA community with a question. She wanted to ink an ember bee isopod on her wrist. This specific species of bug is one she and her husband both admire and actually raise together at home, so it seemed like the perfect personal tribute. However, her husband didn’t agree. 

He “shot me down so fast,” she wrote, explaining that the permanent image would only remind him of his perceived failings if his colony of bugs died out, since he’d been struggling hard to keep it alive. He’s been crushed watching some of his other insects perish. 

This is quite the bug out

The fallout was dramatic. The wife admitted she was tempted to argue, but she knew she wanted to be sensitive about his feelings. So she told him she would cancel her appointment and left while he locked himself in his room. Still, she felt his reaction was “a bit over the top” since the specific ember bee species she chose was currently thriving and showing no signs of failure.

The reactions on the subreddit were mixed. Some users agreed with the husband, with one comment advising to respect his wishes since he had given a “pretty decent reason.” Others were harsher, suggesting the wife should just ignore him. One commenter offered a stinging analogy: “Your body, your choice. But… imagine he tattooed the title of your failed novel on himself. Would you appreciate it?”

This whole situation is a fantastic example of why experts stress the importance of communication in relationships. Tracey Lickfelt from Centerstone advised couples to always try to meet in the middle, noting that compromise is a vital tool for resolving disagreements in a healthy relationship. Marriage guides suggest that dealing with disagreement correctly is how a marriage grows.

Thankfully, the couple talked again once they cooled down. He had changed his mind, telling her he actually liked the idea and found it incredibly sweet. He even admitted he might consider getting the same tattoo if he ever decided to get one! I think it would have gone down differently if she had surprised him with an upsetting tattoo. This wholesome story is a stark difference from how failure to communicate led another Redditor to delete her sister’s wedding photos.