How do I know I won't regret getting a tattoo?

Question

I designed this really awesome tattoo. It reminds me of a very fun trip I took 7 or so years ago, and it also reminds me of my family. I haven't "grown out of" liking anything having to do with the place I went to, and obviously I will always love my family. I look at the design everyday to make sure I still like it. Does it sound like I'm on the right track for getting one I really love and will always love?

Answer 1

i guess you wont know unless you get one

Answer 2

There's no sure way to know that you won't regret getting a tattoo - just as you can't know whether you'll regret anything else you did or didn't do, be it relationships, work, whatever.

But it sounds as though you're approaching getting a tattoo done in the right way. You aren't rushing into anything, you're planning and thinking it through - to the extent of questioning whether it's really the right thing to do. That shows sense and maturity, which again suggests you're going about things in the right way. And the fact that your design has a lot of personal significance is another big point in its favour, and it isn't the sort of thing (like a name, or a tattoo celebrating a romantic relationship) that people often do end up wishing they hadn't had done.

It's true that a lot of people do regret tattoos. Generally, I suspect these were people who had one done with little or no thought, because it would be 'cool' or because their friends were getting one. (For example, I remember while I was sitting in the chair having my third tattoo done, two girls who had appointments just after me were in the shop, and changed their minds three or four times about what designs they were getting!)

Personally, I'd discount some of the arguments people give against getting tattoos. I suspect, for example, that those who say tattoos will look 'gross' when you're old and wrinkly feel that way about getting old and wrinkly anyway. Explaining it to your children is another that doesn't present an issue for me personally - I don't yet have any children of my own, but a number of close friends have children. I'm always happy to talk to them about my tattoos, and they find them interesting without being led horribly astray by me!

My own experience is that I've never regretted any of my tattoos, and the first one is now over a decade old. But I certainly wouldn't discount your question - it's something you need to think through for yourself. Give the decision as much time as it needs - there's no hurry.

Best wishes!

Answer 3

well from the sounds of it, you won't regret the funs of it. I myself got my very first tattoo when I was 28 years old. I can only say if ya put it in a place ya really can't see it (like your sholder,backarea) you won't even know it's there. But for the most part. I can't really say you will regret any part of anything you get unless you are just getting one to get one. The pain that comes with getting a tattoo is the only regret I had.

Answer 4

I have a tattoo drawn by an ex and I dont regret it. I think if it means something to you and it original then go for it. Just get it somewhere you dont have to see it all the time. Your on the right track by designing it yourself. What ever you do never pick one out from a parlor because someone already has it.

Answer 5

I thought about my tattoo for years as well, and finally picked a place and got it a few years ago, unfortunately my regret is that i wished I got it bigger and in a more prominant place. The thing with tattoos is that you will be happy with it and not regret having one but you may regret some of the details of the tattoo itself.

Answer 6

sounds like itmeans something to you, which is the first thing to makeing sure you have no regrets. You have to consider the fact that when you are old, it will be old too. That tatt will not always look as beautiful as it does when you first get it. However, I think that your art will be a reminder of your youth.

GOod luck!

Answer 7

well it definitely sounds like you aren't jumping into getting the tattoo. so you'll probably like it for a long time. the most important thing you can do is get an experienced artist to make the tattoo the best it can be. good luck!

Answer 8

As long as you get the tattoo for you, and only you, it sounds fine to me. I got Penelope on my lower back (Pepe-le-pue's girlfriend, the cat), and I LOVE it, I've had it for a few years now.

Getting the tattoo was a hassle, because it faded, then I went back, got it re-touched and it's sorta faded a little bit. But I had to make a decision, because, like you said, I didn't want to get something everyone else had, just something for me. It has to have meaning. My meaning?

It's something you can't have. :)

Since Pepe-le-Pue wanted the cat, and she didn't want him because she wasn't a skunk, it just, to me, represents something (myself) that no one else can have.


it's cute, I like it. If you've been thinking about your for over 7 years, get it, because you'll just regret NOT getting it.

Answer 9

when i got my third tattoo i drew it and put it in the mirror in my room so i could look at it every day. After a year or so, without thinking i took one last look at it and went to the local shop. Only regret that i could have done it bigger.

Answer 10

well yea. think of all the people that get stupid tattoos everyday just for the hell of it. but really by the sounds of it if you do start to grow outta it you can always get it covered up or removed.

Answer 11

sounds like you really want to get it.i have a few myself and plan on getting more!its addicting!anyways.i dont think you'll regrett getting it.but if youre having second thoughts then dont get a tattoo until you are really sure!!!