Getting a tattoo is a serious decision, and shouldn’t be made on a whim. While I’m not saying you shouldn’t get one, here are 5 questions you should ask yourself to make sure you get a tattoo you won’t regret.
“Will I be proud to show my children this?”
It’s important to think of the future. That crown with “YOLO” written underneath might seem cute when you are 2, but what about at a parent-teacher conference? Be sure you pick something that has meaning and comes with a story to tell. When your kids ask about your tattoo, you don’t want to say, “Well honey, I got drunk one night, and I thought it would be a good idea.” Pick something you will be proud of for years to come.
“How do I want to look on my wedding day?”
You will probably have your wedding photos displayed around your house, so obviously you want to look great in them. If you envision yourself with a visible tattoo in a strapless white dress, then that’s great. But if you think you might not want your tattoo to show, you could be limited in dress options. Or worse, have to glob on makeup to cover it up.
“How many tattoos do I want?”
Tattoos can be addicting. If you only want one, know that there is a great possibility you can wind up with several more in the future. Ink costs hundreds of dollars, and feeding that addiction can be expensive. Knowing how many tattoos you want will help you in the future as well. If you know you want more than one, it helps you plan out locations or possible sleeves. You don’t want a bunch of random tattoos scattered on your body. They need to blend together in a way that suits your body.
“How long have I wanted this tattoo?”
There is no need to remind you that tattoos are permanent. Ask yourself if this a spur of the moment decision. If you find something on the Internet and then want to make an appointment a week later, you probably haven’t put in enough thought. I suggest having the design you are interested in taped on a mirror, or something you see every day. If you still like it after a year, then go for it. You’ll have your whole life to enjoy it; an extra year to be sure it’s what you want won’t kill you.
“What if I get fat?”
Your body is bound to change, and well, that tattoo will change with it. This is where placement comes into play. That cute hip tattoo might not look the same after pregnancy.
If you have a definite answer to all of these questions, then you are well on your way to your first tattoo.
If not, maybe you should get a henna tattoo instead.
Sources:
www.amazigtattoo.info