Tattoo ... is this a terrible idea?

[Sickofpeppapig00]

Just got my decree absolute so finally divorced and would like to mark the occasion somehow. I have been waiting for this moment for a very long time (I was the one who left my abusive marriage, haven't regretted it for a second); the last few years have been horrid yet I have overcome a lot all on my own, and I'm proud of that. I'm often told I am fearless by friends/relatives so, I'm seriously considering having a tattoo made that says exactly that, 'fearless'. It would be fairly small, handwritting style, likely in my inner wrist.

Now, I'm a 40 year old mother of three fairly young DC. I like to think I'm 'cool' (hate that word btw!) enough to carry it off, but still ... am I too old to be even thinking of having it done? I do have quite a senior office job too so I would likely need to have it covered for important meetings etc... too much hassle? I would like to have it done somewhere I can see it all the time so somewhere more discreet would kind of defeat the purpose of it.

Should I go for it?

The thing is, people who dislike tattoos generally dislike all tattoos regardless of whether it's been done by some idiot scratcher for £20 etc (someone operating illegally from their own home tattooing people, industry views these as the lowest of the low) or whether you've spent £1000 upwards on something from an amazing artist. If they are like my mum they will view any of it as awful.

My mum really makes me laugh because dh and I are very involved in the tattoo world and I will occasionally show her a really good one or a cover up of an old tattoo someone has reworked into a new design and without doubt she will always like the old faded one because it's smaller regardless of how awful it is! It's become a bit of a joke between us.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is don't worry about people not liking it, those people will always dislike tattoos full stop. The main thing is to do your research and go to the best artist you can afford. Decide what you want and search for the best person for the job. Look through all their stuff and make sure they are consistently good. Don't go for someone who copies someone else's work. Make sure they are creative and can draw really well.

I don't like them at all either but wouldn't dream of saying anything negative to the wearer (is that the right word?) any more than I would criticise their hair or clothes. It's all just a matter of taste. Even if they came straight out and said "what do you think of ny tattoo" I would say what a lovely colour it was or something.

I disagree with the Pintrest comment, if you search under something more specific than just 'Tattoo idea' you can find some really beautiful ones to get ideas from.

Very interesting to continue reading all the different views. .. Keep them coming!

Thanks also MrsLettuce for the links, some amazing tattoos there!