Tattoo You?

by , on
April 24, 2014
tattoo you?

image source rodeo.net

Are you inked?  If not, are you thinking about getting a tattoo?  Are these thoughts connected to an event in your life such as divorce, marriage, death, love?  It’s human nature to want to mark an event with a celebration or a ceremony and sometimes with INK.

Speaking of ceremonies, I’ve been hearing much ado about divorce parties.  It’s a positive take on what is normally perceived as a negative event in our lives— making lemonade, if you will.  Divorce showers are even a thing.  So, if we can ‘celebrate’ the end of a marriage would we also mark it with a tattoo?

When I watch some of the ink reality shows I take notice of the various reasons people have for getting inked and their personal design choice.  A couple get engaged, for example and they decide to get matching tattoos.  I know! It has ‘regret’ written all over it but who are we to judge the young and in love?  Note to self: Tattoos are more permanent than most marriages.

tattoo you?

image source; Pinterest

I know a young woman who decided to get her first tattoo after her break up from her boyfriend.  It’s a bird symbolizing freedom (I suppose).  I sometimes wonder though, isn’t that putting a permanent memory on that particular break up?  If it was me, I would look down at that tattoo and think of that boy who broke my heart.  That isn’t something I want stamped on my skin.  But that’s just me, an old fashioned girl.

tattoo you

source; rodeo.net

As well, I’ve seen many people who tattoo the initials or a birth date to remind them of their loved one who now has passed on.  I think that’s very touching and very personal.  But does it make us sad or happy to look and see that reminder at any given moment?

Case in point, twenty years from now I’m not sure I would want an inked memory of my state of mind during divorce. It might trigger sad memories.

Also, because we go through emotional highs and lows during divorce it might be kind of dangerous to make a permanent decision like getting a tattoo.  Two years from now we might wonder why we did that.   I know for me, I’ll go shopping at the change of season and buy myself a cute dress or shoes.  One week later I’ll wonder what I was thinking.  Why?  I decide I don’t care for the color or the fit….I probably got sucked into buying it because it was on sale.  Yes, I’m a sucker for a sale and often regret the purchase.  Lucky for me tattoos don’t go on sale or I would have more than a few by now.

Maybe it’s just me, but I probably wouldn’t love a tattoo for life and would end up having it removed.  This has caused me to hesitate on such a big decision.  First, deciding ‘if’ getting one is right for me and then deciding ‘what’ it should be.

Don’t get me wrong, tattoos can look quite sexy on young and beautiful bodies.  Inevitably though, time changes us.  It changes our bodies and our taste.

tattoo you?

image source; Pinterest

I guess I’ll stick to the Divorce shower idea…

On that note, would you or did you get a tattoo to mark the end of your marriage?  Maybe a symbol of freedom or your divorce date in Roman Numerals…not sure what people are doing on this subject but I would love to hear more.  Were you already inked before you were married?  If so, did you ever have a tattoo removed because it reminded you of your ex?  This is juicy….chime in!

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12 Comments

  1. Charmie

    May 2, 2014 at 5:06 am

    Tatoos are something which defines your personality or your outlook towards the world and people.
    Enjoyed the read.

    • lisa

      May 2, 2014 at 9:03 am

      Yes, they certainly reflect a personality and even a ‘state of mind’ depending on the tatt. Thanks, Charmie!

  2. Harleena Singh

    April 28, 2014 at 12:42 am

    Hi Lisa,

    This surely sounds like a good idea to get inked and celebrate even things like divorce or breakups, and why not, if we can get tattoos made for happy occasions, why not the other ones.

    In fact, I think while divorce one’s as a it is going through a lot and perhaps this would pep up the morale a little, though I am not the kind to get tattoos made anytime 🙂

    Thanks for sharing. Have a nice week ahead 🙂

    • lisa

      April 28, 2014 at 5:57 am

      Hi Harleena, yes that seems to be the general consensus here. If it’s a design you love maybe you can get years of pleasure from seeing it and having something mark your freedom. Thanks for weighing in… !

      • Cobi

        May 22, 2014 at 1:32 pm

        the best canvas your own skin. I have a star burst on my left bicep which we denigsed in the studio using some picture ( it has a ring of 3 kanji figures surrounding it) but other that he just free hand the rest on my arm till I liked what I saw. Most quality artists will work with you in this way to help you get what you want.

  3. Chrys Fey

    April 25, 2014 at 10:19 am

    I do have a tattoo of a dragonfly on my arm. In the same place as the bird tattoo in the picture you shared.

    I’m not sure I would want a tattoo to symbolize my divorce, but I think a tattoo to symbolize the strength you had during that time and will continue to carry with you would be a good one. 🙂

    • lisa

      April 25, 2014 at 11:02 am

      Great point, Chrys! A tattoo to symbolize the strength…I like that idea. My Mom also has a dragonfly tattoo but on her ankle. Nice. TKS for stopping by!

  4. lisa

    April 25, 2014 at 7:33 am

  5. Michelle

    April 25, 2014 at 4:45 am

    About a year after I left my ex the first time, I had two tattoos done, one was the symbol of Tranquility, the other Peace. Unfortunately it was in a cool new spot on my body which is now affectionately referred to around the world as a ‘Tramp Stamp’. Nooooottttt quite what I was going for! Now that we’ve separated for the second and final time, I don’t think I want any ink to remind me of him, but more of who I’m becoming.

    I’m finally emotionally and mentally stable after years with a NPD that took leaving to finally be able to identify and label what the problem was. Now that I can choose to engage or not, I’m feeling considerably lighter, freer, and happier. I may consider a tattoo that will remind me of something to that effect, but only because it feels good…certainly not going to get a separation date (unlike his new email address…gawd almighty!). 🙂

    Peace, tranquility, and oodles of happy!
    M

    • lisa

      April 25, 2014 at 7:25 am

      I like the idea of peace and tranquility, especially post separation. That cool spot was very trendy for a time and some women are still going for a tattoo there. 🙂 A tattoo now to represent the new ‘lighter’ and ‘freer’ you, sounds fitting! TKS for visiting, Michelle and oodles of happy to you, too!

  6. My Inner Chick

    April 24, 2014 at 4:29 pm

    *** I’ve seen many people who tattoo the initials or a birth date to remind them of their loved one who now has passed on. I think that’s very touching and very personal. But does it make us sad or happy to look and see that reminder at any given moment?**

    I def. want a tattoo about sisters. I want to see it every single day for the rest of my life!!

    As for divorce? Perhaps about liberation & freedom.

    Xx Kiss to you, dear.

    • lisa

      April 24, 2014 at 5:08 pm

      I think that’s a great idea, Kim. You’ll have to get it on a place you can easily see, all the time. TKS for sharing! xo

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