How many of you or your partners have tattoos? Is it part of British culture to have one?

[MarjorieDoors]

It seems to be very much a part of British culture to have one (now idea why).

Anyway, a few weeks ago DH and I went to Spain and the hotel we stayed in was catering for mainly British holidaymakers. One thing DH and I noticed was the majority of holidaymakers had at least one tatoo although most had more than one - and I am talking male and females here. Didn't notice any of the Spanish with tattoos.

DH and I were in the select few that didn't have one and I am just trying to understand what is the attraction is with them?

Well, ok, the ones that I can see.

Can't understand why people have tattoos in places that neither themselves or other people can see.

I have a discreet, sentimentally valuable one on back of my left shoulder concerning DS1.

DH doesn't hav any. He doesn't approve if them.

My DP has one and I think its hilarious that at 36 he still hides it from his parents!

I have one very small one that no one ever sees unless I want them too, or unless I am wearing very low cut trousers!

IMO. I think they can be found across all 'classes'
I also think they can be totally addictive. They release a strange kind of endorphic (sp)feeling after you have them, and I can see why people keep going back for more.

neither dh or I have one - nor do any of my friends that I know of.

i have my dd intials and dob on my inner wrist

i have a little design on my stomach and two chinese symbols on my lower back you can only see my wrist one when im dressed and then only if im not wearing watch

i like them

was drilled into me as a youngster only rough birds had them

When I was in late teens early 20's I really wanted one but being a big wuss never got round to it,also hadn't made mind up what to get.
Still sort of hanker after one but I had wanted one to be different and feel they are too common now.
Do admire when see one I like though.

May get one one day though.

me and dp have them. mine are small and easily hidden, i have 3. i had them all when i was 15, with parents knowledge (7 years ago). DP has 4, again all easily hidden but very boyish and one is my name.

the one on my tummy has so far gone 2 pgs just fine, hoping its going to hold out this one too!!

DH has one that he designed himself. I paid for it as part of his 40th birthday present. Do I like them? No not particularly but he had always wanted one and I can't help thinking that if you can't choose to do that at 40yrs of age when can you?

I don't mind them but wouldn't have one myself.

I have four and my hubby had his fifth on Saturday.
We both have very well paid jobs and come from very nice middle class backrounds.
I personally love the look of sheer shock on peoples faces when my hubs and I mention that we are tattooed (mine are all out of sight) most of my husbands are.
People think we are "not the type" which is such a stereotype and very laughable.
I had my first at 17 and my last when I was 22 or 23. I am happily married (for years) and have one child, if he chooses to tattoo I will support him 100%.
I really don't worry what they will look like when I am older, who will see them other than me by then anyway?
I agree that the "in your face" common type ones aren't that nice but if you design your own and have them in a personal or discreet place they are beautiful.

No and I hope not

i have 3, i dont regret any of htem, and wouldnt mind some more, tho i havent the funds right now

my oldest one is 17 years old now, and faded, so i wouldnt mind getting it reworked into something bolder

most people i know have at least one

Couldnt stand the unnecessary pain and dont like the look of them.

But not sure they are particularly indicative of any sort of class or person. Does make me chuckle when people (like the friend I went on holiday with a while ago) think they are being terribly wild and out there for having a tattoo then realising that actually everyone else on the beach has one too. And its more individual not to!

However am nursing a serious crush on Michael in prison break so revising my opinion of them on men...

I don't have one and nor does DH. I don't really have anything against them, but I know what I'm like. I'll get a pair of shoes or a haircut, love it for six months and then instantly go off it. I don't think I would risk that with permanent (sp?) ink!

i have one, DH has two