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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to get a tattoo for DH for his 40th? I know nothing about tattoos!

80 replies

IHeartKingThistle · 04/11/2015 21:36

To clarify, it would be me getting the tattoo!

On holiday this summer I got a henna tattoo of DH's name on my arm to freak out my mum (it worked, was v funny). But DH, unexpectedly, was so touched that I had chosen his name - he loved it. I loved that he loved it and I was a bit sad when it faded.

Neither of us have tattoos or have ever wanted them prior to this. Would it be mad to have a real one? He's not 40 until next year so I have a while to make my mind up.

Where could I have it that would be invisible when I was dressed (or happened to be wearing a ballgown)? I'd like his name in a retro heart. It is not a very cool name (kind of like Dave) but I think that would be kind of cool too.

(BTW, not planning to divorce him, he's lovely).

Is it a stupid idea?

OP posts:
GrannyGoggles · 04/11/2015 21:40

Yes it's a stupid idea.

But I'm a tweedy grumpy old cow.

HoneyDragon · 04/11/2015 21:44

Subtlety sound him out. If YOU want it, and he thinks it's cute then what the Hell?

TeeManyMartoonis · 04/11/2015 21:45

I don't see why it is a stupid idea - I think it is fab. If you are comfortable in your relationship, then why not

RJnomaaaaaargh · 04/11/2015 21:49

I think it's sweet. How about on your hip?

LilaTheTiger · 04/11/2015 21:53

NEVER get a name Grin

Original poster
IHeartKingThistle · 04/11/2015 21:53

I know he'd love it. Bit scary though! Glad some other people think it's sweet!

OP posts:
Penfold007 · 04/11/2015 21:53

I'm a tweets grumpy old cow. If it's really what you want have it somewhere private.

DickDewy · 04/11/2015 21:56

What about his name on your finger, under your wedding ring?

And yes, I have been watching the Real Housewives (and yes, woman in question ended up getting it surgically cut from her finger).

Original poster
IHeartKingThistle · 04/11/2015 21:58

Ew, really? I watched a thing last night about bad tattooed eyebrows. And then I had THIS idea. Hmmmm...

Wedding ring thing is lovely but I want a heart too! You know, like Sophie Ellis-Bextor's? I like that.

OP posts:
BeanGirls · 04/11/2015 22:02

I have my dh name on my butt and he has mine ?? both in a retro heart.

DickDewy · 04/11/2015 22:04

My dh and I have identical tattoos.

We had them done as loved up early 20 somethings in Australia on our gap yah.

20 years on - I loathe and detest mine. He still loves his.

TheHouseOnTheLane · 04/11/2015 22:18

Small of your back. Nobody will see that unless you wear those jeans which show your knickers!

DriverSurpriseMe · 04/11/2015 22:19

I like tattoos, but only good ones. Name tattoos are tacky, and if you're superstitious, I'd worry about it sounding a death knell on my relationship!

TheHouseOnTheLane · 04/11/2015 22:20

They're not tacky if you don't think they're tacky Driver and OP doesn't.

Moln · 04/11/2015 22:23

I wouldn't.

His liking a henna one done for a giggle in no way suggests he would like a permanent one on you!!!

Original poster
IHeartKingThistle · 04/11/2015 22:34

That's not a superstition is it?! Thanks for using the phrase 'death knell' on my lovely thread about doing a sweet thing for my DH though Wink

OP posts:
TheDeverellWoman · 04/11/2015 22:36

If it's something you want go for it...I would get it in a more personal space where it wasn't on show though.

I have two tattoo's I desperately want to get, but they are immature and stoopid so I'm waiting until I'm an old biddy who doesn't give a fuck.

a stickman with pushing a lawnmower on my minge line and the barcode of a tin of baked beens on my wrist

TheDeverellWoman · 04/11/2015 22:37

I don't know where the with came from. Ignore that!

mileend2bermondsey · 04/11/2015 22:40

DickDewey was that Tamra from RHOC?

OP I have tattoos myself but would never ever get a name of anyone permanently marked on my body. Bad idea.

tigermoll · 04/11/2015 22:46

Could you choose a symbol rather than a name?

Or, fuckit, get his name. Do it. People are so weird about tattoos -- it's almost as if they WANT you to regret it. Even if you split up (in some mad, alternate reality) a tattoo is a symbol of what you have now, the moment, not something that is retrospectively invalidated if circumstances change.

Full disclosure I went with my godsister for her to get a tattoo when we were both 17. I thought about having one at the same time but didn't. To this day, I regret that choice I wish I still had a reminder on my body of that carefree, stupid, devil-may-care day. She does, and I don't. And mid thirties, I still have no tattooes :)

WanderingTrolley1 · 04/11/2015 22:50

Neither of you have desired a tattoo in the past.

The holiday henna was a novelty.

I don't think you should go ahead with inking yourself.

Original poster
IHeartKingThistle · 04/11/2015 23:00

Lots of sage advice here. Thank you! I have a year to think about it at least!

OP posts:
DickDewy · 04/11/2015 23:03

mileend2bermondsey, that's right Blush!

Jaxsbum · 04/11/2015 23:08

so you are getting a tatt......on you.....as a gift for him???
sorry but pay for him to get one.....

Secondtimeround75 · 04/11/2015 23:11

What about getting some lyrics that mean a lot to ye ( first dance ect)
I think a ring of lyrics or the notes around your thigh could be lovely.

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