To think middle aged people shouldn’t get tattoos?

[Sohardtochooseausername]

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?

I don’t like tattoos. On any age. That’s just my opinion.

Go for it if you want one. Age is irrelevant imo.

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

This made me laugh so much.

Why would there be an upper age limit?

Just because you can doesn't mean you should.

Tattoos are grim and naff.

Just because you can doesn't mean you should.

Tattoos are grim and naff.

If you have to ask, you’re not ready.

I actually have had a picture of one I’ve wanted for 10 years. It’s a shape that means something to me.

Ooh yes, that’s a good point actually. It’ll always have memories of your ex. So when you get a new partner and they see your tattoo and ask about it, will you tell them the truth and say it was part of a fresh start after your ex? Because that’s kind of suggesting that the break up was a massive deal to you. If your ex really didn’t mean anything to you anymore, why would you get a permanent reminder that he was no longer in your life? it smacks of “the lady doth protest too much.”

You'll be dead a long time. Enjoy life while you are here, middle aged or not!

I don't agree about the 'if you have to ask, you're not ready'. Look at tattoo pictures on the internet, think of things that might mean something to you, or just pick something that you think is pretty. Nobody knows what tattoo they want to have until one day they do. You can think about what you want and decide, not knowing now doesn't mean you haven't 'earned' the right to have one.

I'm 50 and planning more. Only one can normally be seen when I'm dressed, and I got then for me.

Never too old! I've aunts and uncles still excitedly planning and getting new ones and they're in their 60's and 70's!

One aunt in particular is virtually covered! She is late 60's, disabled, but quite happily pops about on her mobility scooter with pillar box red hair (at the moment it was electric blue last year) and tattoos and piercings on display! She's long retired from quite a conservative job and is making the most of her pension years - why not!

I've planned my first for last few years but finances and health have prevented thus far. I'm 46.

But I agree - get one that to you represents freedom/fresh start rather than the actual breakup.

I had my second one three weeks ago, on my 46th birthday.

Third one is booked in for December!

Do whatever you want. I don’t see the point of tattoos myself - would rather buy a special piece of jewellery.

If your ex really didn’t mean anything to you anymore, why would you get a permanent reminder that he was no longer in your life? it smacks of “the lady doth protest too much.”

Interesting point.

At the moment it feels more like I’d be doing the thing I wanted to do before I met him but he talked me out of it.

Also I currently never ever ever want to be in a relationship ever again...!!

I got my first at 33.

I'm now 44 and planning my fifth.

Go for it, OP.

I don't understand

Do you think everyone with tattoos should have them removed when they reach middle age?

Graphista your aunt sounds so cool.

I got another tattoo last week on my 39th birthday.
Love it!!

Just be prepared, once you get one you can't stop!

Do you think everyone with tattoos should have them removed when they reach middle age?

Of course not. More that getting one could be seen as a sign of a mid life crisis and I’d judge myself for it (because I’d be the only one who knew about it.)

I don't think it would necessarily be a reminder of your ex if it's an image you've had in mind for a while. More a symbol of a new chapter and doing something to you. You can ascribe your own meaning to it.

Research good tattoo artists though. A poorly done tattoo is naff at any age.

Shit, I'm middle aged (unhelpful realisation}

PPs who say it’s addictive - tell me more about that. Why can’t you stop at one?

I have got all my tattoos , and there are three post forty.
I always had a rule that I had to like a design consistently for 3 years before getting it done.
Nothing made the cut till my best friend died and he asked me to get a copy of his favourite tattoo( he had many) after he died. Lucky for me it was a flower. I squeaked it in days before he passed away and he was delighted.
His rationale was that he knew I'd always wanted one and this way I'd both do it and always have his story with me.
I now have added two more small ones on each wrist, and his flower has grown to a collection halfway down my back.
I'm 46.
Who cares what people think?

quaffleygood how do you know the tattoo artist is a good one?

I got my first at 30 and getting my second at 38
😃
Who cares?! Your body your choice.
Just make sure you find a good artist