Help me understand - Question about tattoos…

I’m a rare person who has none, but I don’t have an issue with others having them. Part of the reason is that I can’t think of anything that I would want on my skin the rest of my life. In other words, I’m too indecisive in general. I understand some get tattoos to memorialize people or events, but in my life there are things I thought I wanted to remember forever, but years later remembering those things brings up unpleasant emotions.

How do those with tattoos make that decision? I am assuming part of the appeal is the opposite - they want something they keep for life. Is this correct?

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PerfectionOfTheHeart · 46-50, F

I can see that side of it. And if I chose to link the bad moments and thoughts with what I’ve chosen to adorn my skin, I never would’ve gotten them. But instead I focused on the strength represented in my tattoos. The simple word “Strength” on the back of my shoulder to make me feel like my mother is watching over me. The two tattoos my dad drew with his own hand, one right on top of the veins on my wrist so every heartbeat I have can somehow make a part of him live on. The Celtic tree etched in between my shoulder blades to symbolize my ancestors who made it possible for me to even be here.

I wanted art to connect me with my loved ones who are no longer here, and for me it was an easy decision to capture their radiance through this art form. I can’t run my fingertip over a memory and feel its warmth, but I can run my fingertip over the tattoo on my skin and smile as the warmth of a loved one’s signature is artistically left behind.

trollslayer · 46-50, M

@PerfectionOfTheHeart thanks! That makes sense