Should I get a Tattoo, or will I regret it later in life?

[TomP]

I've often thought about it, and felt that a part of me thinks "Yea, great � do it", but the rest of me thinks "You'll regret it later in life"
To be honest, I never really had a good enough reason to get one, but this weekend I was lucky enough to be picked for the Oxford Isis Boat � in the reserves boat race. We did lose, but I feel so proud of the achievement of just getting picked anyway (let alone the last 8 months of nightmare training)
So the question is do I get a tattoo to commemorate it or not? Or will I regret it in later life? Also, as I have a PHD, would it still be cool in the future when life gets serious? To me as well (as I come from a very good country family) I only associate tattoos with criminals etc � Am I just being too judgmental?

[stylinsam]

i am a woman and i have a tattoo on my lower back and im certainly not a criminal lol.

i think that if you do decide to have a tattoo maybe have it in a place were if you do regret having it done its not so obviously shown if you no wat i mean.

maybe on your back or your shoulder blade then if you really regret it then u can cover it up with a t shirt.

i was really worried about getting my tattoo i had it weni was 16 and although it was a big mistake then i dont regret it at all because i think it looks fantastic. and wen im all old a wrinkly i dont hink i will be showing my lower back of to much do u

good luck

i hope this helps

[aka pixi]

Please please please think very carefully about this. I had tattoo's when I was in my late teens. I was heavily into the punk scene and I did it without thinking. I am now almost 40 and have spent the last 4 years getting them removed by laser. It not only costs a fortune but it is excruiciatingly painful. I have never ever been able to wear anything that hasnt got long sleeves as I had them on my arms. I have done some stupid stuff in my time but I have never regretted anything as much as I regret getting tattoo's.

If you do decide to go ahead and have one or more done, then make sure you go to a reputable tattoo studio, have a real good look but dont have one done straight away. Come away and think about the one you have picked then go back later and have it done if you are completely sure. I have known lots of people myself included who have come out of a tattoo studio with a 'great tattoo' then a few days later wished they/I had gotten a different one.

[malaise]

I have two degrees, and three tattoos. One of them is quite visible even when I wear a tshirt. I don't regret any of them, and you soon forget they're there, as they become a part of you. I don't think it matters what job you want to go into, or what qualifications you have. If you want a tattoo, go for it (but find the best studio you can!): who cares if you regret it later in life? I'm sure you don't discount other potentially enjoyable things in case you regret them... Besides, you can always have it removed if you hate it THAT much in twenty years' time ;)

[malaise]

Also, just on reflection to what aka pixi has said: I don't like tattoo studios where you just walk in off the street and choose some flash. I find that really defeats the point of getting a tattoo done! Go somewhere that does custom artwork only, and tell them your specifications. If you don't like the drawing, they'll change it, or you can go elsewhere (no obligations, of course). Then you know you're going to like the quality of the artwork, and you'll have something that means more to you. x

[little coojy]

if you do go ahead take time to pick the one you want and where, best to have it where it can be covered, i also think names are a bit risky you never no what might happen further down the line and it wouldn't be to nice for a new partner. most tattooist have lots of designs you can browse for hours with no commitment and they can offer advice as well, go to a good reputable shop that isn't just after your money, ive got 2 top shoulder and back shoulder its amazing in the summer how many people start a conversation with you about them when there on show. mine were done at bob eagles in oxford cowley bobs a great guy and wont rip you off.

[blue2]

For what it's worth I totally agree with aka pixi. I had 3 tattoo's done at 19 and by the time I was 22 I painfully regretted them. I'm now 26 am also having them lazered off which as aka pixi said is costly and very painful. I only have a couple more lazer sessions to go but each has coast �80 and I've had 9 so far and for a couple of days after each session I've been very sore. I think the idea may sound good but the reality is very differant

[tanzanya]

if you only associate tatoos with criminals by god don't do it. so you are an oxford grad? another reason not to get one. a PHD, too? well well - a further reason not to get one. and it will be commemorating a sporting win? the most pathetic reason to get a tatoo - don't do it. you will definitely regret it.

[alijangra]

I love my tattoos. I have two. Got them done at 25 because I always said if I still wanted them by then, I must really want them. They are beautiful, tasteful but in places that are not visible to everyone.One on my lower back, rarely visible.One on back of my neck. I have long hair so only visible when I want it to be.Both of them mean something very special to me.

I dont think you should do it though. I think your reason is silly and you have too many reservations, not to mention a ridiculous stereotypical view of people with tattoos. Yes you are being too judgemental, but if thats your feelings then I dont think you can do much about it.

Also, since when did being a Oxford grad and having a PHD mean you should not get a tattoo? That remark is pure snobbery and an insult to all us common, uneducated thickos with tattoos.

Anyway, must dash... Im away to rob an old lady and plan my next bank robbery. :)

[GraceAnais]

how many times have you worn an outfit that you would never dream of wearing out now?

it's the same with a tattoo. when they were really in fashion (bout 6 years ago everyone had chinese ones!) i was the only one of my friends that didn't have one. thank god...they all look so tacky now.

Stay well away.

and if you do get one....make sure you have some muscle to put it off - nothing worse than a weaner with a tatt!

[nannon]

if your asking us it sounds like your not 100% which would probably suggest you shouldnt bother!! i think you need to be 100% sure you want one - i'm sure you could do something else to commemorate this day!!!

[Robinia]

Great reply from pixi....she does talk sense sometimes hehe ;o)

My two sons both had tattoos at the top of their arms in their teens.....now they are are in their early 30's & one of them really regrets it & always wears t-shirts that cover them in summer. You obviously have reservations about it ....doesn't that answer your own question?

Well done you for being in the Boat Race, it must have been an amazing experience!

[Quizmonkey]

Whether you yourself think it's currently cool - or okay in any sense - to have a tattoo done you must accept that, rightly or wrongly, an enormous amount of people will always associate tattoos with an underclass of people.

Do you always want to have to convince people that you're not the short-sighted, gutter-dwelling, ASBO and criminal record possessing, individual your tattoo is inevitably going to suggest to many people - you included, it would appear. In a few years' time you WILL regret that decision, which by then will have metamorphosed into an ugly blue-green blotch with about as much aesthetics and class as the cover of the Sun.

[alijangra]

Rubbish!! Choose well and they will always look good. Just dnt put on heaps of weight and look after your body and they will always suit you!! Tattoo artists (good ones) are amazingly talented people and the ink is of much better quality now.

[jno]

depends what sort you want; a neat little 'I rowed for Oxford' with crossed oars, somewhere discreet, is never going to go out of fashion and isn't going to look chavvy; have a foot-long Popeye on your forearm and you'll regret it by Thursday.

[littlemissx]

personally i think tattoos arent nice... my boyfriend has a few and i'm not a lover of them including his ex's name... not good at all

[GraceAnais]

his exs name little miss?

That is harsh... can't he tattoo over it like liam gallagher and jonny depp did?

this is the problem with tattoos.

[flipflop104]

I have 3 tattoos. All of them represent something important in my life and I love them each dearly. One of them is my current gf's name in Chinese (NOT tacky - it's the most beautiful and very well done!!) and I was delighted when we were in Kuala Lumpar recently and it was translated correctly.

As has been said, people are always asking about them in summer when they are on full show and it's great.

If you're not 100% sure get one done on your wrist underneath where your watch would be - it's small discrete and can be covered up very easily (by your watch).

Go to a reputable tattooists and they'll do a great job. I'm having trouble with my latest one as I wanted it in the plam of my hand (and it fades there so has to be "topped up" regularly so the tattooist didn't recommend it). I went away and then decided I wanted a white tattoo on my forearm - the tattooist didn't want to do it as white doesn't always take. So I've gone back to the tattooist that did the best one I've got so far and they will do white so I'm going in to discuss it with them.

A good tattooist will discuss with you you want, spend time with you and make sure you're 100% happy with what they're going to do.

[aka pixi]

lol at robinia :)

blue2, im on my 8th treatment and it costs �100 a time :( I was told I have maybe 2 more treatments to go, one in August and one 5 or 6 months after that. All in all it will have taken 5 years to get them off :(