Too many people decide to immortalize their boyfriend or girlfriend by having their name permanently tattooed on their body. If you have been considering this, please stop and consider the options. You do not want to come to regret your tattoo, so let\’s talk about the design.

Now, before you say, \”But I LOVE my boyfriend,\” just take some time to consider what you\’re doing. Tattoos are pretty much permanent. They hurt going on, and hurt worse coming off.

If you\’re serious about getting a tattoo, make sure that what you\’re having inked into your skin for pretty much eternity is something you\’ll be happy about forty years from now. When you consider which kind of tattoo design to get, ask yourself the following questions:

1) Motivation- Why are you considering ink? For some people it is a matter of self-expression or marking a life event. Perhaps you want to pay tribute to an important area of your life, such as love of wolves, dogs, cats or cars.

Maybe you do love someone and you want them to see that in a very permanent way. Most agree that it\’s fine to have the names of children, grandkids, parents, etc. But most also agree that tattooing the name of your one true love (Michael Forever) might be a problem if your one true love turns out not to be.

If you\’re getting a tattoo because all of your friends are doing it, please reconsider. The only reason anyone should get a tattoo is because they want a tattoo. If you want to get a tattoo as a personal challenge or something new and different, that\’s okay, too. Just choose the tattoo design carefully.

2.) What do I love now that I am absolutely certain I will love in forty or fifty years? If you\’ve loved cats since you were a little kid, or you\’ve shared a love of antique cars with your dad since forever, you\’re probably good.

If you want the names of your children or grandchildren tattooed on your body, this is a safe choice. So is expressing your cultural ties, for instance a Chinese dragon for those with an Asian connection, either of these are not likely to lead to regret.

Are you an athlete who wants the Olympic Symbol proudly and prominently displayed in ink? Go for it! Do you see the trend here? Something that is important to you, especially over the long haul is great fodder for a tattoo design.

Do not forget one important note, over time your passion and interests will change. A tattoo that carries great meaning today may not carry the same weight in just a few years. That does not mean you necessarily regret the ink, as long as you still feel good about what it represents you are okay.

3) What will it feel like to explain your tattoo to loved ones, friends or even your neighbor from across the street? If for one moment you think you might be embarrassed by the explanation, (though you are under no obligations to explain) you may want to reconsider the idea.

Now, go looking for ideas. All tattoo shops have books full of \”flash.\” Flash is just a word for tattoo designs. You can look through tattoo magazines, art magazines, or come up with something on your own.

Many good artists can take your rudimentary ideas and use their artistic skills to draw something that is uniquely yours. Just remember when choosing your design to ask, \”What am I trying to express? Why do I want a tattoo? What\’s important to me?\” If you ask these questions, you will ultimately find your perfect design.