About my DH getting a tattoo.

[Crossoldwasp]

NC'ing as possibly identifying (talked about this at work today!).

For context, DHnis 54 and an accountant. No previous tattoos (ex army officer, so quite "straight laced" in many respects). I am 35 with one regrettable (in design terms) tramp stamp from years ago.

On Valentines Day DH announced he wanted to get a tattoo to mirror the wording off this picture - but with my name on top - for our upcoming ten year anniversary.

On the one hand, I'm massively flattered - I've not got the greatest of self-esteem, and obsessively often ask him if he really loves me. This would certainly be a assurance that he does!

On the other, cynic that I am, as much as I love him to bits, I would never get inked up with his name myself in return.

Even if we did turn out to be one of those lucky couples who lived happily ever after until one of dropped, there's always the off chance I might die early or something, and he would then have to live the rest of his life alone, or alternatively only date other people who happened to be called Crossoldwasp. Also, he might look a bit of a numpty on our next family holiday (my dad being most anti-tattoo) on our next family holiday.

I suggested "future proofing" by at least entitling it "To the one I love". He is adamant it is getting done, and will be dedicated to Crossoldwasp specifically when it is.

His body his choice, I know, or should I try a bit harder to put the muckers on this one...?? Genuinely torn.

Thank you all for your input on this!

[Paninotogo]

LTB. I am not even joking. If he can only express his love for you in such trite, insincere words then he really is not a keeper.

[dylsmimi]

Can you steer him towards Pinterest or Instagram to find more ideas ?
You've said he's not good with words so maybe some good research will buy you some time and let him explore what he really wants and he can look to see if he can represent that cringe sentiment in another way.

[milpool]

Everything else aside... this will make a really shit tattoo. Like, really bad.

Text doesn't translate into good tattoos nearly as well as an image does. Bodies aren't flat like paper. It's really difficult to get a large body of text to look anywhere near decent. Not to mention the fact that a lot of good tattooists won't tattoo partner's names, so if he goes to someone substandard it'll look even worse...

Can he not consider getting an image to represent your relationship instead? DH and I have matching tattoos but unless you saw them side by side you'd never know (and that is rare as mine is usually covered, as it's on my calf).

[SmellySphinx]

What a load of miserable gits yer all are!!

10 years, married... if you were one year in to a relationship it would be a resounding NOPE from me. I personally dislike hearts and name tattoos, I definitely don't like sickly sweet pukey naff Facebook drivel memes, poems and all that other fake guff.

I'd say if anyone really wants your name then go for the 'hidden' name tattoo in a design or (hopefully) correct spelling in a different language.

Come on though it is sweet that he wants to do this. If he gets it in an unassuming place like his shoulder blade or something and it us tastefully done, I would say do it. Its not like it will be on his forehead or the back of his neck...is it?! Its his body and he isn't thinking "what would my potential future wife/girlfriend think?" he's thinking of YOU!

[SmellySphinx]

Ignore the "anyone"

[SmellySphinx]

Oh really no...I have just looked at the picture and that is a 'just. NO!'

Definitely not the words in the picture. No no no. He needs to do more research

[Crossoldwasp]

Thanks all. I will subtly steer him away from this one then by pointing out the difficulties involved in tattooing that amount of text... rather than mentioning content!

[CharlieDimmocksbosoms]

Most tattooists will not copy exactly from the internet because of copyright clauses etc. Why don't you both design something together that you both like and agree on?

[JonesyAndTheSalad]

I'm a tacky cow and when my DH suggested tattooed wedding rings, I was touched. We haven't done it but may yet do it! We're in our 40s and don't really care what anyone else thinks!

[Vermillioncomfyshoes]

To me, it sounds like something you would read inside a tacky Valentines card. These mass-produced tributes are completely impersonal, despite the words.
Apart from that I dislike tattoos anyway, and I wouldn't want anyone
to have ink needled into their body in my name. If it were me, I'd have to stop him from doing it. While I appreciate it's his body and he can do what he likes with it, I would feel as if I have some grounds to object, as it's my name he's using. It's not something I will ever have to worry about unless DH has some sort of humongous personality change.
What about a pretty ring of your choice, plain or with a stone, with
'I LOVE YOU' engraved inside? At least then only you will see it, unless you want to show it to someone.
I do have a thing for pretty rings though. Some may differ.

[supermoon100]

Op- 'Tramp stamp' is a horribly pejorative term. There is no male equivalent, funny that

[AgathaF]

Horrible content. If he wants to get something to celebrate your marriage, why not sit down together and design something original and beautiful. That way it is really personal to both of you (and you can have large amounts of design input too).

[spongebob5]

I'd be horrified if my DP had that tattoo, I know it's his body his choice but no, just no