Tattoos: A Permanent Inscription of Memories or Regret?
I am the only guy I know who did 20 years in the US Army infantry and never got a tattoo. While my old army buddies had at least one each, I never understood the appeal. If I wanted to adorn myself with writing or pictures, I could do it without the permanent and scarring implications of a tattoo.
One of my ex-wifes, now the ex, got a huge tattoo with my name on it during our Vegas trip. I always wondered what happened to it after the divorce. Like what might have been, but alas, I’ll probably never see her exposed again to know for sure.
The Case Against Permanent Scarring
Some might argue that all tattoos can become regrettable, especially as our skin stretches with age, and the tattoo begins to show signs of wear and tear. It’s a stark reality that not all tattoos can be easily or comfortably covered or removed, making them a lifelong commitment.
Personal Experiences with Tattoos
My son has 17 tattoos, and he regrets only one, which he had covered up. Now, only the cover-up is visible. I, on the other hand, have two very recent tattoos, both of which have meaning and significance to me. The first is a beautiful remembrance of two of my dogs, featuring hearts and paws in a lovely scrollwork pattern with their names. I intentionally left room for additional names, symbolizing my bond with my deceased pets. My newest tattoo honors my Scottish ancestry, featuring my clan’s name, motto, and crest. I have plans for at least six more, all of which will be meaningful to me. My son and I are planning to have matching tattoos as a celebration of our bond!
The Dos and Don'ts of Tattoos
Rule 1 of tattoos is to never put the name of your husband, girlfriend, or significant other as a tattoo. The cost and pain of laser removal can be significant, and cover-ups may not always be as elegant. Meaningful tattoos are the ones that reflect your personal experiences, values, and the connections you want to honor.
Regrets Due to External Factors
There is a tendency to regret tattoos that we see in others or are designed with meaningful expressions for others. We get tattoos that mean something to others just because we like their aesthetics. These tattoos often create regret in the future because we cannot reconcile our personality with the tattoo. Additionally, designs made by others may not reflect the unique personality of the individual, leading to more regret.
Another common regret is having tattoos that are made by others rather than designed by the individual. Personalized tattoos that reflect your vision and thoughts are less likely to cause regret.
Designing Your Own Tattoo
To avoid future regrets, consider designing your own tattoo. Tools like Sketch Logo AI can help you create unique and meaningful designs. I discovered this tool while researching ways to make my own designs and was impressed by the creativity and uniqueness of the designs it produced. By taking the time to design your own tattoo, you can ensure that it is a true reflection of who you are and what you value.
In conclusion, tattoos can be a beautiful and meaningful way to commemorate significant events or people in your life. However, it is crucial to ensure that the tattoo is a true reflection of your personal identity and values. Remember that tattoos are permanent, so make an informed decision that you won’t regret.