To want a tattoo

A real tattoo I meant to say at the end of my post, !

I've got 2 tattoos and I'm thinking seriously about a third - and maybe a fourth. I'm 70 going on 25. Both my children know I've got them as do my granddaughters- they think it's my body and my money so haven't expressed any opinions.

Your daughters are right.

I used to want a Celtic band around my arm, now I wonder why!

I quite like the small tattoos in places which can be hidden.
I would never have it done, though. As someone said, because of the pain, and my skin is as thin as tissue paper.
I once saw young man who had just left the tattoo parlour and his arm looked as if it was raw and infected.

I loathe them and would never have one but if you want one, go for it!

What will this tattoo actually give you? What will it do for your mental well-being? Weigh up these questions before your decision. Like one or two others on this thread I personally think its a dreadful idea but it's not my body or business. However, I do know three people in their 40s who had tattoos either as soldiers or in their 'wild' days and who are now undergoing tattoo removal which is costly and extremely painful, so my advice would be to think very carefully and put it where it can't be seen - and then what's the point? You're back to the question of what good can it possibly do for you - will it genuinely lift your spirits, and do they really need lifting to the extent that you want to poison your body?

On holiday in Malta there were stalls doing the henna tattoos. On impulse I had three little butterflies done on my left shoulder while sitting on a chair in the middle of Valetta. I loved it. It lasted about three weeks. But wouldn't be brave enough for a permanent tattoo.

I can change my hairstyle, clothes, make-up but not a tattoo. How boring.
It’s there forever, I’m having enough trouble choosing bathroom tiles that I won’t get fed up of.

Absolutely! I had one done for my 49th birthday (against my then husband’s wishes which said a lot more for the marriage than I realised at the time!) and don’t regret it a bit. I had it done on my left hip, it’s quite small and very private as at 63 that is not an area I am encouraged to bare ?????

I would love to have a tatoo and would have except for one thing... I am a coward and hate pain! Other people's opinion would not put me off. Go for it if you want one... and please tell me afterwards what the pain was like...

Do what YOU want. I really hope you will be happy with the result.

Kaycee Go ahead if it's what you want however when I observe a person with a tattoo, or tattoos my thoughts turn to how will these tattoos appear on an aging skin . Be it male or female we are living longer.
Unfortunately our appearance does not heed this.What were once clear and defined images will be hidden amongst , or appear nothing like what they were meant to be, in the aging skin.
Sorry to be so brutal.

I don't know anyone who has not regretted having a tattoo eventually. Especially my brother in law who got 2 on his arm & calf in Florida on his honeymoon. He got a huge Mickey mouse on his leg- his wife got Minnie Mouse, the marriage lasted about a year. He also got a poignant phrase about his Mother being the love of his life & it was spelt incorrectly. It said Moter not mother so the tatoo 'artist' did a little arrow & inserted the missing letter 'h' above. It looks awful. 30years on he still has them & bitterly regrets it.
Personally I hate them.

I have been thinking about having one done for ages! Go for it - why not?

Go for it. I have wanted one for years but my husband said no. He now has Alzheimer's and I could get one but I now take a blood thinner and the doctor says no. My time has passed. Get one while you can!!!!

A few months ago our local tattooist died of blood poisoning, that is a risk that people tend to play down but it does happen.

Kacee I decided last year at the age of 61 that I want to get one, my DDS didn’t really comment neither of them have them. Now my eldest D wants to come with me and have one to.Ive researched the best and licenced ones in my area and decided on a small tattoo after searching on Pinterest but I haven’t had it done yet as can’t decide where to have it.I do feel it’s a bucket list wish. Good luck and do show us when it’s done.

I have the opposite problem. Both my daughters are urging me to get a tattoo .

I’m 68 and want “ carpe diet” on my wrist but scared!

This is me- I hate them. The thought of having one makes me feel slightly nauseous. When I see older people with one I cringe. When I see younger people with them, I cringe and feel sorry for them, having made, in my opinion, a foolish choice to make themselves look cheap. I hate the garish limited colours & the often amateur / ugly designs.
However, we are all wonderfully different. One person collects pot frogs, another likes abstract art. Some dye their hair electric blue, others embrace grey.
It’s a VERY personal choice.
However what I would endorse, is to consider carefully. If you have any doubts, delay doing it. Think about how you feel about things you’ve done in the past - do you still love the types of jewellery, collectibles, colours etc you liked a few years ago. If not, will you start to dislike your tattoo. As others have suggested, try some temporary tattoos first.

Why not go for it. If I could muster up the courage I would want one of my late sons name and birth on the inside of my wrist.

Go for it Kacee. I've had the poppy garland on my upper arm for 20 years, a present from our daughters on my recovery from a serious illness when I was 46. My husband wasn't keen as he has a couple of smudgy, poorly done tattoos from his youth, but it 's my skin & I still love my bit of body art. A quite straight-laced friend in her late 60's has recently had the butterfly tat she's always wanted on her upper arm...it's beautiful! Enjoy.

Go for it! Personally I don't like tats but did get various bits of me pierced in my fifties!

Only thing to remember is, if you're still working, you may need to keep it covered - depends on what you do but there is still prejudice in some roles.

I say ‘go for it’! I would love to have a tiny one but because my skin bruises if I just breathe on it, then I know I would end up with a purple blob. My husband had a fit at just the thought of it!