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

[IHeartKingThistle]

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?

He doesn't want one!

Don't get one between your hip and your groin... it fucking hurts!

I LOVE my tats!

Go for it.

Think 10-15 years ahead to a blurry, faded tattoo on ageing skin. If you can cope with that possible outcome, go for it.

My tattoo is very visible. I've got DHs name around my wrist in a swirly script intertwined with other other stuff. I have to be standing very still for anyone to be able to read it as it just looks like part of a tattooed bangle but I like that we know his name is there. He however has my name tattooed in HUGE letters across his shoulders and loves to joke to people that he has the mrs on his back all the time

"NEVER get a name"

Some reputable tattoo parlours have a policy of not doing names of partners. Children yes, but partners no.

If someone I know told me they'd done this I'd nod and smile and privately think it was a pretty cloying way of making your husband's birthday all about you.

SomethingOnce - my tattoos are 20 years old plus, and not remotely faded or blurry. That's an urban myth from back in the old days before tattoo ink and technology advanced quite considerably. With the caveat, of course, that you get what you pay for.

Still, OP, as much as I love DH, I'd never get his name on a tattoo.

You get a tattoo For his birthday?

Lucky him

I got a tattoo for my 40th! (slightly different)
NEVER get a name.
I know a guy who had his then fiancé's name tattooed on his arm - they spilt up 10 years later and he fell in love with her sister, whom he eventually married. He now has his SIL's name tattooed on him

I'm going to join in with the chorus of never get someone else's name tattooed on you. It's just inviting trouble, and as said up thread a lot of good tattooists won't do it, so you're left with the less good ones to permanently mark your body.

That said if you want something as a tribute to him then rock on. I have two that are linked to DH - one is a symbol that we both have interpretations of representing the struggles I go through (he chose to get a version of it as his commitment to me) and the other was to cover a piece of crap from my youth and is the flowers and leaves from my wedding bouquet. Both about us but without having his name emblazoned on my arse forevermore.

Leaving my personal views of tattoos aside, it doesn't sound like much of a birthday present. How would you feel if, for your 40th, he got himself a tattoo of your name?

Hope you're getting him something else too.

Of course it's a stupid idea. It is his birthday. If you want a tattoo, get one for your birthday.

I love tattoos, I have many...

...but please don't get a partner's name.

Ever.

Get it on your breast,that way its hidden and its for his eyes only.Plus all this crap "when you are 90 you will regret that tattoo."If im alive at 90 my tattoos will be the least of my worries.

I love the 'when you're 90' argument.

Do people really plan their lives around what they'll look like during the last 15-20 years of it?

OP, what about something that he really loves? So it's for him, but not his name.

The name point, fair enough.

The other stuff, well of course I'd be getting him presents FFS! I didn't realise I'd given the impression that I am a self - obsessed thoughtless wife. He's already said he'd love it. It would have been more of a gesture than a present. But hey, why not make me feel like a shit wife?

Sorry, that touched a nerve. I'm not making his birthday all about me.

Thanks loads for the constructive advice, it's really appreciated.

Sounds tacky

Get a tattoo if you want one but I really don't see how it's a present for your dh.

I can only imagine the responses if someone on here started a thread along the lines of "My 40th birthday and dh says that his tattoo is my present".

x-posted.

FFS

At no point did I ever say that the tattoo would be his one and only present.

As others have said, DON'T get someone's, I can never understand why people do this, especially when theres a chance they could split in future.
Also, imo, having your partners name etched on your body gives a sense of you're their 'property'

If you do go for it I think names look nice in a traditional scroll.

Then as the background you could have whatever you liked. Flowers, maybe. Keep it feminine.

You need to research tattoo shops in your area. Have a flick through their portfolios - most will be available online.

Also research aftercare. Is important.

It is a common superstition that having a name of a partner tattooed on you will signal the start of a break up.
Obviously if you aren't superstitious and are both happy with it, go for it! I have 4 tattoos and don't regret any of them, I have 3 more planned. However I personally wouldn't get DH's name. We have discussed matching tattoos but decided against it as should we ever break up it will be a permanent reminder of something that may not end pleasantly. (We have no intention of breaking up but being children of messy divorces from previously very happy parents its a worry somewhere down the line).

What I'm saying in the long run is: if you're both happy, go for it. If you can live with the consequences of having it forever, go for it.

This kind of thing.

Could have your name too.