Tattoos. Do you Like them? Hate them? Want one?
By moneyandgc
@moneyandgc (3428)
United States
March 2, 2008 3:06pm CST
I have four tattoos. The first one I got when I was 16. I begged and begged my parents to let me get one. They said no. My dad has two pretty large ones that he wishes he never got while he was in the Navy. You know those old grean colored ones? He is now a business man and hates for them to show when he is wearing a short sleeved shirt while on a business trip.
I was relentless though. I went to my mom over and over again...whining like teenagers do when they want something they can't have. Eventually she caved like I knew she would. She told me to go ahead but she wasn't paying for it and if my dad found out, she didn't know about it.
My friend took me, I paid $65 and got a small multi-colored bird on my left hip near the bone. I wouldn't choose it now, but I don't regret it either. I am nearing 30 years old (in May) and my dad still doesn't know about it. I never wanted my mom to get in trouble.
I now have 4 tattoos. I have the small bird that is carrying a flower on my hip. A 4 leaf clover and my husband's name on my bottom. Flowers on the small of my back and the symbol for New Beginnings on my left wrist. My husband and I just recently got matching ones. Mine is done in kind of a dark pink color. I wanted to be able to see it but I didn't want it to be the first thing you see. All of my others are hidden.
I have one more that I want and I think I am officially done. In small letters going down either my side or my spine I want my children's names. I have already designed it.
My mom doesn't like tattoos. She always tells me, "What are you going to do when you are old and wrinkly?" My thought process is..."Well, I am old and wrinkly anyway so what difference does it make?!"What about you? Love them? Hate them? Do you have any? Do any of yours have a story?
4 people like this
38 responses
@dfinster (3528)
• United States
3 Mar 08
I like tats if they're tastful. For my 19th birthdaywhen I was in the Army my platoon took me out and got me a tatoo. I got it on the back of my right shoulder so if I wanted to hide it I could do just that. It worked pretty well too until one day when I was home on leave I was at my parents catching some sun. I forgot about the tatoo and that's when my mom noticed it. At first she told me to go and wash it off and then I told her I couldn't. I thought she was going to have a heart attack.
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
3 Mar 08
Yes, my friend's parents have found out about their tattoos in much the same way. :)
@kitkatgal70 (71)
• United States
3 Mar 08
Hi! Yes, I have always wanted to get a tat or two. But I have never gotten up the nerve to just do it.:o(
I want to start with a butterfly or a heart on my right thigh.
And I think it would be cool to have like a tatoo bracelet of barbed wire.
My Dad had tats on both arms that he got while in the Air Force.
I used to love to look at them.
One of them was my Mom's name.
The other was an eagle.
So, yeah I think that it would be really OK to have a couple tats.
By the way, does it hurt much having them done?
Oh I am such a chicken.......hehehe
Peace
kitkatgal
2 people like this
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
3 Mar 08
It all depends on where you get them on how much it hurts. It isn't all that bad though. I wouldn't start with anything big if you are afraid of pain.
My sister got her first tattoo last year, it is a beautiful blue colored butterfly.
@MrNiceGuy (4141)
• United States
3 Mar 08
My best friends all have a few tattoos. I like them when they are well thought out and mean something and aren't too noticeable. I could never get an obvious one, although I would love to have a half sleeve on my forearm so I could see it all the time.
I want one, but I have to choose the right words and font and get some spare money and spare time to get it done.
2 people like this
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
3 Mar 08
Yes, tattoos done right and done well can cost quite a bit of money and time depending on what you get.
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
2 Mar 08
i have thought about them, but a) i hate pain and b) they cost a lot of cash! but there are some that look pretty cool but i have no idea what i would get though...(i like change too much so i dont think i would be happy with one that is one me all the time!!)
2 people like this
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
2 Mar 08
I agree about liking change! I do too. This is why I say that I wouldn't particularly choose my first tattoo again. I don't regret it, but if I were choosing today I wouldn't have made the same choice.
My last 3 tattoos will have meant something to me personally and that is why I am not worried about not liking them later.
The pain...well, there are certain places that hurt more than others! My wrist hurt more than I thought it would but at least it was a small and simple tattoo so it was done quickly! :)
1 person likes this
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
2 Mar 08
I don't care for them for me but if someone else has one then it's really none of my business if they do or not! I have seen some very interesting ones. My daughter in law has seven and the only one you see is her daughter's name on her ankle. I just think it's a very personal thing..like a haircut!
2 people like this
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
2 Mar 08
You're right. Tattoos are definitely not for everyone. They can be very personal. I will have 5 when I am done. The only one you will be able to see on a daily basis is on my wrist. Even that one can be covered with a large bracelet or a watch. I made sure to choose a color that wasn't overpowering. I like tattoos for me, so I don't put them where the public can see them if I don't want them to.
1 person likes this
@steffyhoney (706)
• United States
2 Mar 08
I dont mind tattoos. I hate to see people covered in them I dont think it looks appealing at all. However 1 here and there is ok. I dont have any at all. Someday I do want to get one. Ive pondered on the idea the last few years. If I get one it will be one only on my lower back with my daughters name in it...but if I have more kids idk what im gonna do lol.
2 people like this
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
2 Mar 08
I typically don't care for the tattoos to be covering the body either. I don't mind it, I just don't find it particularly attractive. To each their own. Some people don't like them at all and that is ok too.
I agree with you about getting your daughter's name and not knowing what to do when or if you have more children! That is why I waited until after I was finished having kids to design mine. I have 4 kids and all have relatively long first names. It was difficult to decide how to do it because I don't want anything huge.
1 person likes this
@alamzaib (1287)
• Pakistan
9 Mar 08
No I dont like to have a tattoo ,because I have heard lot of stories about their disadvantages.
The main disadvantage with getting a tattoo is the removal of it if you decide you don't like it anymore. Tattoo removal can be painful and take quite a long time to do.
Another disadvantage is the risk if infection from needles that haven't been sterilized. A good, reputable tattooist is the only person you should go to for a tattoo.
As for designs you can have just about any design that you want. Many people like Celtic Artwork which is beautiful in it's own right.
You might want something that you are interested in such as a design from a favourite book , or a flower, plant, animal for example.
Someone I know has tattoos of mythical creatures and characters from Norse mythology and another person I know has pre- Christain artwork from a chambered cairn in Ireland.
There's no end to the designs you can have.
It's a good idea to have a small tattoo first an see how comfortable you feel with it. If you like it you can always get another one done at a later date.
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
10 Mar 08
Yes, removal can be expensive if you decide you don't like your design anymore. Covering can also cost a small fortune! My husband has a faded tattoo on his arm that he got when he was 18. The artist wasn't the greatest and we are looking into covering it with something else. We are looking at $400 to cover it.
@no_chao (548)
• Philippines
3 Mar 08
i dont any!!!.. but i must admit that i was into of having even just one but im sure that my father will not very likely to see it!!.. but when i was 19 i saw a shop doing some henna tatoos.... my friend and i deided to have one and i got mine in.......well just right what you can see in my avatar.... lol!!... what do u think!! ^_^
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
4 Mar 08
I love henna tattoos. I think they are beautiful. I have never had one, but I love to see them on other people.
Yours looks very nice! :)
@di1159 (1580)
• United States
3 Mar 08
Hello! At the ripe "old" age of 48, I am contemplating a tatoo. I'm a little afraid of the pain so I would appreciate you letting me know if they hurt or not. I haven't decided on what or where I'm getting it, but I've pretty much made up my mind to get it done. I guess its a fashion statement these days and is now considered acceptable. Regardless, I am in the processing of designing mine.
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
4 Mar 08
It all depends on where you are putting it. If you are afraid of the pain, I suggest going with something small. I don't think you are ever too old to get a tattoo.
Designing your own is a great idea, makes it mean more to you.
Just make sure you research where you get tattooed ahead of time. Some places are cleaner than others, also you want to make sure you get a talented artist!
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
10 Mar 08
My husband wants to get a tattoo on his calf (back of your lower leg) one day as well. He also spoke of dragons.
Lots of people hate needles. :)
@tressa757 (74)
• United States
3 Mar 08
I would like to have a tattoo but I am scared. They say its not that bad and usually once you sit through your first one, you will want to have another one done.
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
4 Mar 08
I have heard this said many times as well. For me it was true! Just make sure you think through what you want and you go to a clean and safe place to have it done.
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
4 Mar 08
Yes, it makes a huge difference on how talented the tattoo artist is. This is one reason why I will only go to one place. A tattoo artist can make a beautiful piece of art or a terrible mistake.
Designing your own will make it much more personal for you. :)
@prmasters (54)
• Sweden
4 Mar 08
I completely agree. When I do finally finish my design I will then have to find a decent artist to do his or her thing!
Anyone know of any in sweden?
1 person likes this
@suzzie1234 (2)
•
3 Mar 08
I think tattoos are very much a thing of personal taste. I think it's very important for a person to be 100% positive before going ahead. I am not keen on seeing somebody heavily tattoed,(although again, that's personal taste) but I think the odd one here and there can look really sexy. I have just one that I got 3 years ago at the age of 44. It is an ivy-leaf band going round my left wrist and I love it. If I ever go for a job where tattoos aren't allowed to be on display, I can easily hide it under a wristwatch. I think I love it so much because of what it represented to me at the time. I'd always been very conservatively dressed all my life, but always secretly envied those who had the confidence to make a bit of a fashion statement, however small. I started by getting my tummy-button pierced, dressing a bit gothily, and dyeing my hair back. It gave me confidence, but all those things could be reversed. Then the thought of a tattoo appealed because after that I felt there was no going back. I'd wanted one for years, but had never dared. I'm so glad I did, I love it to bits.
1 person likes this
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
4 Mar 08
I started with a belly button piercing as well! I then got other piercings. Right now I have none though, not even my ears. My husband thinks I should get my nose pierced but I am not convinced. I am afraid of having a crusty red infected nose! haha
I am glad that you got something that you loved! I agree with you about being positive beforehand that you want a tattoo, though they can be taken off it is not a fun or cheap process and usually still leaves scarring.
@jlcook (166)
• United States
4 Mar 08
I like tattoos, I currently have three and I am wanting at least two more. The are a personal preference and the people who put down us with tattoos have a right to their opinion, but they should realize that we are not bad people just because we have permanent ink on our bodies. I have my tattoos hidden unless I want them shown. They are in places that I am comfortable with. Your comment about already being old and wrinkly RIGHT ON, I will be turning 30 in June and I am comfortable in my own skin!!
1 person likes this
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
4 Mar 08
You are very right. Opinions based on people with tattoos are no better than opinions based on other ways people look.
You will be 30 a month after me. :)
@MGjhaud (23240)
• Philippines
3 Mar 08
I want them but I just can't have them
I bought a tattoo catalog before because I was really planning to have a tattoo on my upper part on the back but when my father saw the catalog he told me he'll get mad if i stick a needle for tattoos on my body so I followed him.
I still want them. Maybe in time, it'll come. Not now.
1 person likes this
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
4 Mar 08
I have looked through tattoo catalogs before. I don't normally see anything that I would want in them though. I am always amazed at the people who have really good portraits done! Some tattoo artists are so talented!
My dad wasn't happy about the idea of us getting tattoos either. Mainly just because he regretted his own though.
@Ravenladyj (22902)
• United States
3 Mar 08
I'm a huge fan of body art myself and though I only have two at the moment I'm getting more this yr and by the time all is said and done I'll have at least 12 more....I love tats BUT I also think they arent for everyone ya know..and one thing that drives me absolutely nuts is when ppl go in and get things like their bfs/gfs name tattooed on themselves (BAD MOVE!!) or when ppl dont give serious thought to what they are getting..they just go in with friends feeling daring or whatever and just pick something off the flash on the wall....IMO tats should have strong personal meaning...
1 person likes this
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
4 Mar 08
That's funny. I got my husband's name tattooed on when we were only dating 5 years ago. Like two days later I was thinking, "What did I do?!!" He has my name on his arm. I always tell him that if we ever divorce I will just have his name crossed out with a big X and put the next guy under it. The running joke is I will have names running down the back of my leg. :)
The one I got when I was 16 was exactly like you describe. I just knew I wanted a tattoo so I went in with a friend and picked one. Hey, I was 16! haha Like I said before, I wouldn't have chosen it now but I am partial to it because I look at it as a part of my childhood. I put it in a place not seen by the public unless I am in a bathing suit. Because it rarely sees light, it is still looking pretty good almost 14 years later.
The one I just got and my next one are highly personal.
I think even picking something off a wall can be personal. It is all in how you look at it. Maybe they are getting it in a celebration for something, or a change in their life. Something that may just be a picture to me or you could remind that person of a situation (good or unfortunately bad) for the rest of their lives. Kind of like my little birdie that I gave little though to. :)
@Modestah (11179)
• United States
3 Mar 08
While I find some tatoos to be very lovely and intricate pieces of art and design - especially those henna ones - I am not a fan of them. I do not like to see them on others and would not condone my children or husband getting one. for several reasons, including the situation your father is in - regretting later that he had marred his skin permanently - while tastes and styles and fads change.
1 person likes this
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
4 Mar 08
Because styles and fads change is why I am only getting ones that are personal to me. The tattoos I have gotten recently are ones that mean something to me personally.
Though I wouldn't have chosen the one I got at 16 now, I don't regret it. It is a part of my life experience now.
@bagumbayan (2705)
• Philippines
3 Mar 08
I hate tattoos. Being very weird. Why art on your body. And it is also not healthy to some, allergic to some, and ugly to look at. Your father dislike on them should have discourage you. Here in our place those kids or young adults sometimes are not accepted to work if they have tattoos in their bodies. If you really like it, there are temporary tattoos you can wear off like henas. Please dont have more tattoos.
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
4 Mar 08
Thank you for sharing your opinion. The reason that my dad didn't want us to get tattoos was because he regretted getting his. No two people are alike and I don't regret mine at all. My father respects that we are adults and can make our own decisions.
@dangnabit67 (2021)
• United States
3 Mar 08
I would like to get a butterfly tattoo. And I like tribal arm bands.
Right now its a money issue-not something I need.
1 person likes this
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
4 Mar 08
Yes, tattoos can cost quite a bit of money. My sister got her first tattoo last year. She got a butterfly as well. It is very pretty and placed on her lower back on the left side.
@jpso138 (7851)
• Philippines
3 Mar 08
I have always wanted to have a tattoo on my body even a small one. But I worked in an organization that usually discourages tattoos in the body since we are providing care for patients. Now that I am no longer involve with such organization, it seems I have lost the will to have tattoos. But If ever I would have one, maybe it would just be small not to attract to much attention.
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
4 Mar 08
If you are no longer wanting one, it is probably good that you weren't allowed to have one before. You might have regretted getting it and that wouldn't be good. :)
