For the longest time, iv'e been wanting to get my first tattoo. I want it to be my mom's name on my forearm. I told my girlfriend the idea and she didn't like it too much. She doesn't want me to mess up my body with ink. She thinks one will turn into 50! I really want to do this but it's hard to make that decision when I know it will make my girlfriend really mad and possibly even break up with me. What should I do, get the ink or be ink free?

I have to admit I never understood the appeal of tatoos. I see it as an art form, but I could never choose a single theme or design that I'd want on me for the rest of my life. There are a lot of connotations associated with ink that are negative, too - like, if you ever want to work in a professional environment and wear a short-sleeved shirt, I wouldn't do it. If you don't want to spend the rest of your life explaining to potential dates that the name on your arm is your mom's name, not a girlfriend's name - don't do it. And if you don't want people to wonder if your relationship with your mom might be a little strange (tatooing your mom's name on your arm is a little over the top), don't do it.

There are a lot of ways to honor your mom and your closeness with her that don't require permanently altering your body and turning off your girlfriend. I'd suggest you think about what it is you want to say to and about your mom, and find a different way to do it.

And if you really want a tattoo, you can easily get one on the back of your shoulder or something where it will only show in the most casual of circumstances and will not be a detriment to you in your career.

I never got one lucky that night we were out on leave from military I spent my money on other things. But it is always a personal choice, I see many that look great, I preferred pictures over names, on your mom's name, what does she think about it, since it is her name.

I have several tattoos, got my first a age 55. It is a personal choice. I got mine when I separated from my wife of 36 years. I now have 7. It can be addicting but everyone I have has a meaning to me. One of them honers my father and is the largest.
You don't say how old you are but I do agree, get them where they can be covered in a work environment. If your girlfriend will not accept you with a tat then you might re-think the relationship

I guess another thing to consider is whether you want to upset one person you love to honor another person you love. Is there nothing else you can do?

As the mother of a son, I would suggest that your mom may be no more thrilled by the idea than your girlfriend!

If you were my son, I'd far rather you use the money to buy me a ring or necklace with your birthstone in it, or better yet, not spend the money and simply write a letter to share your feelings as a son for his mother.

Both my parents have passed so it was a honor for my father who was a artist.

I have one tattoo (so far). And they are addicting. Keeping in mind your reasoning for WHY you want the tattoo, maybe instead of getting it on your forearm you can get it in a place that's easier to hide it (most employers frown on visible tattoos) I understand where your girlfriends coming from; she sounds like my mom when I first told her I was getting one. I think if it something you really want, and it means something to you your girlfriend needs to be understanding and that you should get it.

I have about 10 tattoo's all things that have meaning in my life. As already stated they are addictive and it is a personnel choice. And some work places do look down on them.

Funny thing is when I talked about getting a tattoo on my leg my girlfriend at the time told me I better not get one on my leg or she will break up with me. Well I got it and she was mad but didn't break up with me. Just remember it is your life, your body, and your money do whatever you want to do.