Tattoos

I knew a woman of about twenty five who had a large highly coloured tattoo across her shoulder blades; when she became pregnant the doctors raised concerns about the ink possibly having affected her bloodstream, and therefore her unborn twins. Has anyone else heard of this? I assumed the ink went under the skin and sat there, but of course where is it going when they fade, as some do?

I have a small, discreet tattoo on my shoulder and a breast cancer ribbon on my wrist. I have to admit the wrist tattoo was really painful, but I had it done after my DM died and I then had breast cancer.

Eldest DD is a teacher and has no tattoos, nor does her DH. DD2 has lots, so does her DH. But it's their choice. DD3 has 2 discreet tattoos. My DH has none and doesn't like them.

I often think people will regret their tattoos in later life, but it's been a fashion for almost 20 years now, so all the multi-tattooed folks will grow old together with their saggy tattoos! I personally don't like sleeve tattoos or those in necks and legs, but it's a choice for a lot of people. As to self abuse, I think for most of the young people who get tattooed it's more about fitting in. So many of their peers are tattooed and they want to fit in.

I have seen the occasional tattoo that I have liked (like the first one David Beckham had) but even if they are well done, if there are a lot any artistry gets lost.
What I find really unattractive is when they are on the neck right up to the chin.
It's personal choice though and I don't see why they should care what I think.

Sadly for all of us and her, my oldest DGD has a mental health issue and has been self harming. She is now also talking about having tattoos, which I am sure she wouldn't consider if she were well. Some people have them done because of their low self esteem I think. I think they are horrible myself. I too have an abiding memory of that lovely girl from the Military Wives, who also confessed to low self esteem, incidentally.

They are horrible !!

My beautiful GD are big fans.............

OMG and to think my mother was scandalised when I wore dangly ear rings.....

My daughter has had one for all her adult life, she had it retouched recently. I have considered one myself, just never got round to it. But I would want it where it can be seen, no point in hiding it

I think they are repulsive. I really don't like needles anyway. Why would you get injected with ink? They usually end up a horrible greeny colour.

They are banned in the bible, and I always wonder why people who make such a fuss about homosexuality often have tattoos.

Grannyknot, the lady's name is Professor Sue Black. I heard her talk in Aberdeen some time ago and she is utterly fascinating...Google her for more info.

I suspect our generation were indoctrinated against tattoos by our parents. I have often wondered if the current fashion for tattoos is a rebellion against parents and grandparents who hate tattoos. I loathe them but my adult children have them, mostly discreet and only visible in beach wear but many of the young men have so called sleeve art.

NameChange2016, what on earth are you talking about, linking the bible with nonsense about homosexuality.

Judy dench has some, other people can make their own choices it's not really my business.

I do agree with live and let live - people have the choice to do this if they wish.

However the OP asked whether we liked them and my answer is No!

Hate them - remember they used to be called "tramp stamps"?!

Besides, looking horrendous, they also cost a fortune! I can think of better ways to spend money. I know people living on benefits that have several large tattoos and brag about getting the next one. Where do they find the money, it can run into thousands? If they have money to spend on such useless, frivolous things instead of using it for food and keeping a roof over their heads, they are getting too much. If you earn it and can afford it, good luck, spend your money how you want.

Another tattoo hater here. I think most of them just look so ugly and aggressive. It's that horrible dark denim blue I don't like.

I can't say I particularly like them but some of the remarks on here are unnecessarily nasty.

I hate them with a passion! My daughter has one on her ankle, a dragonfly. I didn't realise she had another on her wrist as she had hidden it under her watch for some time. Unfortunately when I first spotted it I immediately went into disapproving Mum mode, '(name) when did you get tha!!!! Etc'. Then 'I didn't bloody grow you for 9 months for you to deface my masterpiece with *** crap like that!!' Only trouble was, we were at her place of work, in front of quite a few colleagues at the time. She was a teacher, and it was in the staff room, thankfully after school hours. She was 27 at the time! Oops!

There is a heavily tattooed man who I see frequently in this area. Every part of his body is covered, including his bald head. From a distance he looks blue. He also has ear stretchers and a small goatee beard, which he dyes in different colours. It's hard to guess how old he might be but I don't think he is young. He is well spoken and, as far as I can tell, seems to be a very pleasant man. Why, then, has he gone to so much trouble and, I expect, expense only to make himself look absolutely terrifying? I've only ever seen him on his own. I feel rather sad for him actually and wonder if he ever regrets his tats.

I think when they are done by an artist they can be beautiful, I'd never have one myself though as I cannot see the point of choosing to have needles stuck into me. Not good with needles!!

I like them to a degree , my daughter has one a heart with music notes going through it, it's prettier than it sounds & it shows her love of music & that she overcame her needle phobia, in fact only Ds1 doesn't have a tatoo. My uncle has a peacock tattooed up his arm & I've always loved it, it was a time when only sailors & criminals had tattoos, which may be why some of you older grans don't like them - bad connotations

Of course any one can do what they want without our critisism or input, but do I like them? No I think they are horrible and defacing and when I see a lovely woman with an armful from wrist to shoulder I shudder.

A tramp stamp is apparently a tat that is at the mid lower back

My son is 50 now and decided to get quite a large tattoo on his arm at the age of fifteen. He hid it from me during the visits he needed to get it completed. Then one hot day he came down the stairs and forgot to cover it from my sight. I hit the roof!! he wasn't old enough to make the decision to have one and knew how much I hated them. It has faded now, but he has regretted getting it done all these years later .... [SAD]

sorry, still can't get the emoticons right.

I have always hated them and don't think they look artistic at all. I feel I want to get soap and water and scrub them off!

I hate tattoos, don't see them as artistic at all, just ugly and I'm sure many people grow up to regret having tattoos as youngsters.

Worse still - facial piercings, they make me feel queasy. Can't bear to look at a person with rings through lip, eyebrow,etc. Have to admit though (no logic to it), pierced ears don't bother me at all.