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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think middle aged people shouldn’t get tattoos?

136 replies

Sohardtochooseausername · 10/10/2018 20:28

I am breaking up with my DP.

I am thinking I’d like to get a tattoo (my first) which would mark my new found freedom from him. It would be a secret thing I’d know about and he never would because it’s over between us. That kind of thing.

The thing is, I’m in my 40s and there’s a part of me that’s being very judgemental, thinking I’m too old/getting a tattoo at my age would be sad.

AIBU? And if so what tattoo should I get and where?

OP posts:
Starlight345 · 10/10/2018 20:31

I am getting one next year waiting for appointment. I am 48 .

Your body do what you want

JenBarber · 10/10/2018 20:31

A) 40s is NOT middle aged.

B) You should do whatever the fuck you like regardless of other people's opinions.

Want a tattoo? Go and get one.

Samcro · 10/10/2018 20:32

I got one when i gotto 50
Had a couple more since, there is no upper age limit on them.

Lauren0rder · 10/10/2018 20:32

I completely agree with you.

Tattoos are naff and permanent!!!!

You could try a Henna tattoo and see if you like it.

But go for it if you want to.

Thebeautifullisette · 10/10/2018 20:33

40s is middle aged! How old are you planning on getting?

There’s no rule book for tattoos OP, do whatever you like. And enjoy it!

If anyone disapproves you can just be like, “This old thing? I’ve had it for years!”

TooManyPaws · 10/10/2018 20:33

I knew someone who got her first in her seventies - a series of Pictish symbols all down her side and leg. She was in her 70s and they looked fantastic. I'm in my late 50s and about to add to my collection.

Nopuns · 10/10/2018 20:33

Do what makes you happy . Nobody cares if you have tattoos, unless you plan on having one on your face - don't do that

treeinthedistance · 10/10/2018 20:34

It's your body! If you want a tattoo go for it. Also, bear in mind that once it's stopped looking all fresh no stranger would actually know how long you'd had it anyway.

laceygo · 10/10/2018 20:34

If u were getting a full sleeve then yeah .. but a small one that means something personal ? Go for it ... I got mine at 40 and love it

Kolo · 10/10/2018 20:35

I think that’s an awesome reason for a tattoo. Go for it!

HateIsNotGood · 10/10/2018 20:35

But wouldn't a tattoo that represents your break up be a constant reminder? Wait until you are happy in your freedom and get a tattoo that represents that.

And actually it's probably best to not get tattoos until you are middle-aged or older - generally age will have started it's course and it all goes a bit saggy, so you'll already know what that artistic tat will look like when that starts to happen.

So no regrets.

Canshopwillshop · 10/10/2018 20:35

Personally I don’t like tattoos at any age but that’s just me. I certainly wouldn’t let your age stop you from doing something you want to do.

StealthNinjaMum · 10/10/2018 20:36

I'm not a big fan of tattoos but if you want one do it. I don't think there's an age limit on doing something for you and it's not as if it hurts anybody else.

FilledSoda · 10/10/2018 20:37

Of course 40 is middle aged ffs .
Go for it op Wink

AgnesBrownsCat · 10/10/2018 20:37

40 is middle aged but so what ! If it makes you happy go for it .

TheFaerieQueene · 10/10/2018 20:38

Do what makes you happy. If that is a tattoo then go for it. You are a long time dead.

Fatted · 10/10/2018 20:39

Well technically anyone who had a tattoo done before their 40's will likely still have it in their 40's.

I don't see the issue. My DH has lots and continually adding to his sleeves. He had ones in his 20's, but most have been done in his 30s.

It's your body. Do what you want with it.

BiscuitDrama · 10/10/2018 20:39

Do it if you want, but only if you want, not as a point to your ex.

CurlyhairedAssassin · 10/10/2018 20:39

Unless it says “fuck you, ex-DP’s name”, then go for it!

I’m not a fan of most tattoos, I’ve seen some awful ones, a lot are dated and cringey and I wouldn’t have one myself because it’s too permanent and I dont like the idea of not being able to change it to something totally different. However I do like some of them and they’re orobablh the more expensive ones at places that have a long waiting list.

I am also mid-40s and I don’t think that has any bearing on anything when it comes to tattoos.

Plus, I love the idea of a fresh start with something your DP doesn’t know about!

You go for it! No judging from me (unless you get a bad one done. Wink)

TakemedowntoPotatoCity · 10/10/2018 20:40

I think people of any adult age should get any fucking tattoo they want.

MadameButterface · 10/10/2018 20:40

Just do it

My tattoos are always presents from me to me. Some have a meaning, others i just think are pretty. Regardless, they are for me and no one else. Each one has been a thought that i’ve let sit in my head for over a year while i mull over size, placement etc, i don’t walk in and go ‘err i would like a skull on fire cheers’ - in any case the woman i see doesn’t do flash, all her designs are one offs personal to the individual.

I’m nearly 43, i’m planning another one, i daydream about it all the time. Go for it.

JacquesHammer · 10/10/2018 20:40

Age (provided you’re over 18) isn’t a barrier to a tattoo.

And if so what tattoo should I get and where?

This is a barrier, if you have no idea what you want you should hold off until you do.

CoughLaughFart · 10/10/2018 20:41

I wouldn’t do it personally (I’m 39) but it’s more that I don’t like tattoos full stop than an age thing. It’s your body.

That said, be sure you won’t regret in years to come that you have a tattoo that reminds you of your ex - even one you got to get over him - before going ahead.

showmewhatyougot · 10/10/2018 20:42

My Nan got one for her 70th, I don't think your ever to old to express yourself.

X

CoughLaughFart · 10/10/2018 20:43

And if so what tattoo should I get and where?

Only just noticed this. If you have to ask, you’re not ready.