To want a tattoo

I doubt if, on my deathbed, I'll express bitter regret that I never got a tattoo! My daughter has a tattoo on her forearm and dislikes it now. Her alternatives are to live with it, have very expensive laser treatment to remove it or have a redesign over the top of it to something she does like. I suspect she would quickly come to dislike that too. It's bound to be bigger after all.

If you're retired it won't be a problem for an employer. I've heard that if you work with the public, employers often require you to keep tattoos covered so think carefully where you'd have it if you're still working. I've also heard that it's best to keep them covered in job interviews. Apparently, potential employers often make negative judgements about candidates with tattoos.

If you Google 'remove tattoo' there are some graphic videos to see. One site I looked at began with the words, "So you're in the tattoo regret phase..." (My daughter is there!)

It might be best to try a good quality, temporary tattoo, placed where you and others can see it. Then you'll have a good idea of whether or not a permanent one is the way forward. Or decide on a waiting period, write on your calendar for six months time, tattoo? and see if you're still keen. Whatever you decide, good luck!

I am not keen on them myself but it is your choice and your body. Sounds like a painful place to have one though.

My daughter wants to get me one for my 70th which is a couple of years away. My husband is horrified but I’m tempted! I was a pretty watercolour of lavender.

I think they can look fantastic!! I saw a beautiful one on my friend the other week, and she is 73, and the colours were stunning! It was a tiny Hummingbird, and it was absolutely lovely.
Go for it! You have one life, live it how YOU want to! Don't regret not doing it!

Loathe them, but OPs DDs reaction would have sent me to the nearest tattoo parlour!

If you want one, girls, go with it. I didn't have my ears pierced till my mid-20s and now I'm half seriusly thinking about a small tattoo, but not sure as don't cope with pain!

What's the point of having a tattoo and then hiding it. I have a heart condition and was told (rather jokingly) not to have any tattoos or piercings. But seriously - why would ANY person want a tattoo? And it apparently hurts like hell to get it done, then goes all scabby and hurts some more - why would you? (nearly as puzzling as to why anyone voted leave) (sorry sorry couldn't resist)

Why put yourself through unnecessary pain?

You should remind your daughters that one day they'll be 63 years-old, with tattoos!

You do not need to permanently mark your skin, there are very realistic stick on pictures which can be bought very cheaply.

My parents advised us never to get tattoos, or have or ears pierced as it was 'common'. I got my ears done at 18 but never wanted a tattoo until earlier this year. I'm still considering a small Manchester Bee on the inside of my wrist.......

I really dislike tattoos and when I see older men with tattoos from their youth I wonder if they regret having them now,

However if it is something you really want why not go for it. Is there a halfway house where you could have a temporary design put on (like the Asian women have on their hands at weddings) to see if you really want something permanent ?

I have got to a stage in my life when I do what I want and don't care what others think. ?

I hate them at any age.

I would love one. A tiny flower on my bum

I wanted to get one for my 60th, but chickened out. Now my 70th is approaching and DiL has said she’ll come with me. I wanted a dragon fly on my shoulder, but having seen the birds ascending rather like them.

It’s just so permanent if I don’t like it. No going back. DH doesn’t answer when I ask his opinion, I think he thinks its a waste of money, but my decision. If I do go ahead, I’ll just get it done and see how long it takes for him to notice!

Have been given one for my 70th by much tattooed daughter. Wanted one for years, wasn’t brave enough but as the only undecorated one of the family felt envious. Am now joining husband, son and daughter!
Incidentally, she is in a well paid, responsible position close to the top of her profession, and her beautiful, very visible and quite large tattoos seem not to have hindered advancement.
Each to her own, I say!

Go for it! I had the same hankering as you and now have a lovely bumble bee on my tum, for no other reason than I have always liked bees, my name means 'honeybee', and life is too short to worry about what anyone else thinks.
Let us know when you've done it

Just do it Life's too short to worry about what's right and wrong - if you want a tattoo get one! I have one at the base of my spine which was done about 15 years ago in my late 40's. Strangely my youngest son who had several at the time actually came into the salon as I was having it done (his then girlfriend worked there) and was horrified. I could only think it was because it was his mother in the chair! His wife hates them but my eldest son now has a lot (not visible unless he has a tee shirt on) and his wife and daughter both have them on their wrists. I too worry about the younger generation having full sleeves tattooed or their necks and lower legs - it's all very well when your skin is smooth and taught - quite another as it wrinkles and hangs loosely like mine does on my arms!

I have 3 tattoos - when I reached 50 it was part of my future plan - get tattoo, get hair dyed, and go to Glastonbury! I did all 3. I find the tattoos addictive - I have 3 more that I want, and I will get in due course. DH is quite up for it - as far as he is concerned it is my body so my choice.

It’s totally your decision, I had my first tattoo earlier this year for my 60th birthday. One of my daughters paid for it and was with me in the tattoo studio.

Go for it. I have one on my wrist.

Go for it ....you only live once!!

I have 4 all can be hidden if needed but apart from one on my back they are usually visible. If you want one have one it is your body, but i would suggest research the studios in your area most have FB pages with their work on display or speak to other people to see who they recommend.

I had one done for my 50th, it's above my shoulder blade and only shows if I wear a swimming costume. It didn't hurt although I understand some places on the body hurt more. I've never regretted it - every time I catch a glimpse of it in the bathroom mirror it makes me smile, because obviously I never see it otherwise ?

I'm with the no-no gang.
My DD and DGD have some and I have told them that I accept it's none of my business but made it very clear I utterly loathe them. I find nothing attractive about them. 2nd rate artwork and hideous colours! Not looking forward to seeing Dgd's ghastly arm appearing on her mum's wedding pic's. I know it will spoil the day for me but keep trying to remind myself that it's not my business ????