How do I know if getting a tattoo is the right thing to do?

Question

I've put a lot of thought into the tattoo that I'd like to get. I'm 17, and I turn 18 in February. Three days ago I was so sure that I wanted to get this tattoo and decided to talk to my dad about it, but it really didn't go down very well. He pretty much blew up at me and put a lot of doubts in my mind. I shouldn't let him bother me and I know that - he sounded so ignorant. He was saying, things like, are you doing this for attention? Do you know what people will think of you? This tattoo is completely for myself and no one else.. but it also needs to be big (on my back) to get all of the detail into the tattoo that I want and I'm sure my dad will hate that too. I want a phoenix rising from its ashes with latin in the body that either says "to the stars through adversity" or maybe "I struggle and emerge" with latin in its wings saying "Nothing is heavy to those who have wings, thus she shall go to the stars." There are a few other things that will go with it but I've gotta stop typing. Back to the point: how did you know that your tattoo won't be a regret in 10-20 years? How do I figure that out? Thanks for reading all of this..

Answer 1

hey i've had the same problem as you. if you have thought long and hard about this, which it seems like you have, then you should get it. you're a big girl, you know that it sticks with you forever, and you still want it, so go get it. it sounds like it has a lot of meaning to you, so getting the tattoo could be totally great for you.

don't think about how you're gonna feel in 30 years. it means something to you now, that's what's important.

Answer 2

ok now that im done reading all this lol!!! .... my idea would be if i ever got one it would be small and somewhere that is not very recognizable cause if u want to dress up for something u dont want people to think ur a **** or something if u kno wut i mean! and just think when u get old and wrinkly lol!! .... ur tatoo wont be as pretty it will be all crinkled up from the wrinkles!!! let me kno wut u decide!!!

Answer 3

You will regret getting it.  

Answer 4

If it really means that much to you, then hopefully down the line you won't regret it. It's your body, express yourself! (I know cliche) but it's true.

Answer 5

You are doing a fine job in questioning, in talking to your dad, and asking intelligent questions here, backed by your actions and thoughts. Based on this, I know that you will make wise and informed choices and decisions. Just remember that there is no hurry, and if you have anything holding you back, then wait until you don't.

Here is a site with much quality information and easy to navigate:

http://tattoo.about.com/

Otherwise, you have time before 18, and you don't have to do anything until you are ready. You might not want to get one until you are 21 or never, or a whole body suit when your 45. You'll know when, what, and where. Trust yourself. In the mean time, save your money, 'cause they are expensive. Remember to go for quality, seek good artist, pay what you have to and always tip. Do excellent research ahead of time, excellent aftercare, and sunblock for life.

here is some sites:

http://www.badtattoos.com/index.html

http://tattoo.about.com/od/tattoo101/a/a...

http://www.ancientarttattoo.co.uk/aathom...

http://misha-art.com/tattoos/tattoosmain...

Don't forget that you look for the image not the tattoo. Look in nature, history, family, in your head, your hopes, dreams, likes, and loves.

You'll do fine! I'm proud of you already!

Answer 6

i think you will regret it but if you wanna do it tell your dad it is your body and he cannot do anything about it. And please please please dont put a girls name on your body. you will really regret that. well and dont get it on your arm or somewhere where you can see it becuase jobs wont hire you in the future if you do that..

hope i helped :)

Answer 7

Well you probably dont want to get a big tattoo that you probably will regret in 10-20 years....my advice for you is to do what makes you feel better...if you feel like getting it will make you feel good and older or whatever the reason do it... your dad is going to be mad about it for a little while but he cant stay mad at you forever..((hopefully not)) im getting a tattoo but i dont want it to hurt so thats what stoping me and my dad supports me...but even if he didnt i still have to live my own life... goodluck:]

Answer 8

personally i think tattoos look bad on girls. I would wait, or get a really small one. But if it's something your really passionate about then go for it.

Answer 9

that's the dumbest thing to do

Answer 10

It's really up to you. I have five tattoos where they wont be seen while at the work place. Tattoos have been around longer than your father has and it's the new fashion trend now a days too, and why would it matter what people think it's how you feel about your self. The difference between people with tattoos and people that don't are people with tattoos don't judge people with out tattoos. I think you have a beautiful idea for a tattoo I would love to see that and how it turns out.

Answer 11

You really do have to put a lot of thought into a tattoo... after all it's permanent! Unless you can afford to get it removed down the road. So I have 5 tattoo's that I don't regret and never will. I was 16 when I got my first tat and I still  don't regret that one (I am 23). I have them placed in places that if I want to show them off I can. If I want to cover them up I can. They are small, so therefore easier to cover up. One on your back would be easy to cover up. I would think about what you are putting on your back though... think long and hard about if that is what you will still think is great when you hit your 30's, 40's h**l even 60's. three out of five of mine are of tigers, I have always loved tigers and always will. Another one I have, my husband and I got the same tattoo together on our one year anniversary. I will love that one till the day I die. My fifth one is a teddy bear and a heart with my daughter's name in the heart. I will also love that one till the day I die.

So just think long and hard. Mostly the ones people don't ever regret is the ones that have meaning behind them.

Answer 12

i had the same exact problem. i was 18, parents were against it. wasnt 100% sure, sometimes i wanted it, sometimes i didnt.

i just thought about it, one day i went with a friend and took a risk.you only live once, so just go for it . if you dont u will probably get it later, then wish u got when u were younger

my parents are over it now.

i didnt even get grounded, just yelled at for a min.

i still like my tattoo, glad i got it and im getting more

Answer 13

OK well, the older generation sometimes do have very old fashioned views on tattoos, because when they were growing up it tended to be "unsavoury characters" that got them, times change but it seems that your father still holds this view, which he is perfectly entitled to, we are all allowed an opinion.  However, in this day and age, tattooing has become more mainstream, celebrities have them, normal every day people have them, but it will still take some time for the od fashioned stigma to disappear.  Seriously though, if you personally have any doubts at all, do not get it.  If it is something that you really, really want then go for it, why not wait for a few more months and think it over some more?  I have several tattoos myself, so I have nothing against them, I just know how much thought should go in to it.

Answer 14

If you have doubts, then wait. You can always get the tattoo later, but you can't always have it removed. It sounds like you are planning a pretty large and detailed tat so you should wait until you know for sure. And when you know, you just know. I went through the same thing you are when I was 18 and so I waited until I was 20 to get the tattoo I had been contemplating. I am 25 now and very happy with my decision to get my first tattoo and all those following it.

Answer 15

Well listen: think about when you get really old, like 75 - 80. Will you want to be the old grandmother with a big tattoo on your back, or will you want to set a different example for your grandchildren? This kind of thing is not something that will last only 20 years. Try your entire life. If you really want this tattoo, consider making it smaller or in some place less visible. If it's because you think it will look fashionable, think about how your fashion will change when you get the tattoo. Think about the kinds of clothes you would wear if you got it. Would you flaunt it or hide it?

In my opinion, something that is truly important or symbolizes something important to you should stay with you whether or not it is imprinted on your body. Just think about that.

Answer 16

alright honestly its your choice. your dad is just there to advice you. you either take the advice or you don't. if you really want the tattoo just get it. you wont regret something you want(:

Answer 17

Well you seem like someone who wants to do this for a good reason. Not just because you want one. You've thought about it, you didn't go in and just pick something off the wall.

It also sounds like the words mean something to you... Now.

The best thing to think about is the future. That's how you'll know if you'll regret it. Think about the words and what they mean to you now. Will it mean the same in the future? Will it bother you if you feel differently about the words?

If you gain weight and your skin stretches, causing the tattoo to look different forever, will this bother you? If you get old, saggy and wrinkled causing your tattoo to look "bad" will this bother you? Especially since it is going to be so large.

Just think of those things and you should know.

Answer 18

If you have ANY doubts what-so-ever I do not think that you should get a tattoo because tattoos are forever! It took me awhile to figure out that I wanted my tattoo and I love it! I got my tattoo for my grandmother that I loved very much after she passed away from cancer.. The reason I got it so I know I will have a piece of her with me at all times... Its a shooting star I believe she was a shooting star [[just by the way she was]].. and my father still hates my tattoo still to this day but he knows its for a very special person so its a ok in someway. If you just think that you will want that tattoo with you forever than you should get it but I got mine for my grandmother and like I said I will NEVER regret it! I love it... so think to yourself do you really want something like that on you forever? You will eventually figure it out and make what choice you think is right for you. Hope this helped.

p.s. the idea is cute  

Answer 19

if you have doubts its not. Wait until you are 100% sure.  It sounds like youve put alot of thought into it though, you just have to understand that most parents are always going to discourage you from doing permanent things to your body.  My dad was really disappointed when i was 17 and came home w/ one, but now he's pretty fascinated by it.

All my tats are kind of like a living photo album,  if its there to mark something important and reminds you of what you went thru to get to the point of making it a permanent part of your skin,  you prolly wont regret it. And its def. an original piece and not something millions of other people have like cherries, nautical stars, so that will make it mean even more.

Answer 20

If I were you I would not start that big, you might want to think smaller for the first one and if you can handle how it feels then consider getting the big one.  There is really no reason to regret a tattoo in 20 years, I have a tattoo and even when I am an old wrinkle filled lady I will be proud of my tattoo.  My tattoo will always be a reminder that at the time of my life when I got it, I had something to share with people about myself.  I am currently designing my next tattoo, and cant wait to find a new exciting place on my body to put it.  Its exciting explaining to people the meanings behind your tattoos, and why you decided to get it.  

Answer 21

Alright, when I am at a public pool and I se someone with a huge tattoo I go"wow that looks so g*y"

think, in 10 20 years it's going to be an old blob of paint, and when you have  a kid there gonna ask you about it, then when you have grandchildren thewre gonna be like eeeeeew cause it will be a big blob of nothing.  Also if you be a buises man and you go to flordia or california or somehting for bisness and you go on a bout and they see a HUGE tatoo that will be a huge blow to your job

Answer 22

It took 14 years for me to decide.  It sounds like you have put a lot of thought into this tattoo and your not getting it on a whim.  However there is no rush to get it, so make a poster of the image to start, when your ready you will know.  My mom had a hard time dealing with me getting a tattoo and I was 30 but now she loves it.  lol

Answer 23

I have an appointement made to get a tattoo this tuesday coming, i'm getting the nautical star on my hip, purple and black. And I was having the same problem as you last night. I was thinking after I made the appointement " Am i going to regret this in a week, in a month, in a year ? or a while down the road ? " But I've put so much thought into it, for almost half a year now, and I haven't changed my mind on the tattoo I want because it means sooo much to me! The meaning behind the tattoo is so deep and is what gets me by these days with what's going on with my parents and uncle and everything. So all I can say is that... if the tattoo means a lot to you, and is very important and symbolic, go for it, there's no regrets there because you can look back on it and know that it means something to you. But if it's just a phase of something you're interrested in or you like, I wouldn't get it because like i said, it's usually just a " phase ". Sounds like it means a lot though, So I think you should go for it =) Just think about what I said.

Good Luck !!