Tattoos... How many have one? (or more) Justin, please chime in!

[TheVTCGuy]

Ok everyone, as I approach my 50th birthday, I am officially midl.. MIDil.i... MIDLLII-... I can't say it, but you know what I'm talking about. I actually have a little over a year before the big five oh... but for a long time I have contemplated getting an inconspicuous tattoo. Since I was a Naval Officer most of my adult life, I never got one then, and now being a (so called) executive nothing obvious will show, but a small one in an inconspicuous place I think would be kind of a cool thing for my 50th birthday, turning the corner on a second century. I have always been in to a New-age philosophy and would like some symbol of that, and I definitely want Justin (Valentin) to do it, but I'm curious what are all of your thoughts. Am I just showing signs of the mid-life crisis and (stupidly) trying to act young? Or is this a rational decision and attempt to show my individuality and new age beliefs? We are talking a small one, probably on an ankle or somewhere not very obvious, .. ladies of the forum if you saw one on a 50 ish year old man is that something that is undesirable?

What do you think?

[sushisummo]

Only 2 for me but might get the 3rd one soon.

[Taffi Abernathy]

Speaking solely for myself (no offense Justin), I am not a fan of tattoos. Unless a particular symbol, word, etc. has real significance for you, I would pass. What if you change your mind later on? Yes, tattoos can be removed, but I hear the process is somewhat painful and still leaves traces on your skin. Why not think about treating yourself to something special for the big 5-0, e.g., an exotic trip, a new car, pamper yourself or do something that involves self-improvement such as learning about a subject that has interested you? (I would have suggested a cruise but as ex-Navy you're probably all cruised out.) I truly don't mean to offend anyone since tattoos are very subjective, but I think the human body (male or female) looks better minus the ink.

[swatty]

Originally Posted by Taffi Abernathy

Speaking solely for myself (no offense Justin), I am not a fan of tattoos. Unless a particular symbol, word, etc. has real significance for you, I would pass. What if you change your mind later on? Yes, tattoos can be removed, but I hear the process is somewhat painful and still leaves traces on your skin. Why not think about treating yourself to something special for the big 5-0, e.g., an exotic trip, a new car, pamper yourself or do something that involves self-improvement such as learning about a subject that has interested you? (I would have suggested a cruise but as ex-Navy you're probably all cruised out.) I truly don't mean to offend anyone since tattoos are very subjective, but I think the human body (male or female) looks better minus the ink.

I have to agree with you Faith

[KKB]

I think getting a tattoo for your 50th birthday is a great idea. I don't see anything irrational about it, since it will be inconspicuous and won't be seen in work-related settings. The only downside I can think of is if after some time you start to think that it's ugly and don't want to see it anymore, so choose the tattoo carefully! I don't have any ink, but if it were me I'd prefer to put it on my upper arm near the shoulder, rather than on my ankle. Don't forget to post pics once you get it.

Oh, and I always though mi- midd- started in the early 40's, not 50!

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by swatty

I have to agree with you Faith

And I have to agree with you and Faith, Peter!!

[Trurolexer]

Almost all of my body...
I can't count it...

[FBender]

Hi Paul,

My only advice would be, if you need to ask other peoples opinions or are not sure, dont do it.

I have a number of tattoos and have just celebrated the big 50 myself. I am also an ex sailor.

I like tattoos, but have seen some shockers in my time on various people of all ages. If you eventually do it, get something from a very professional artist that will help you with your design. Try and have a look at their work, and ensure they are clean.

The inside of the bicep muscle is a good place for being discreet. The other advantage is your neck and back will thank you for not getting it on the ankle, now that you are getting on

Good luck.

Phil

[walds11]

Tattoos are cool to look at, but I wouldn't want one. And I can't have them for religious reasons.

[walds11]

Tattoos are cool to look at, but I wouldn't want one. And I can't have them for religious reasons.

[gettocard]

3 . One stile there ,the other 2 have gone through laser and are half way gone. I have to schedule another laser session but recovering has been a lot more painful than getting a new tatto...
They're all on my shoulders anyway,so nothing visible with short sleeves,I would hate that. Always thought the tattoo as a personal thing. I would like to get a new one actually,something USA themed .

[alphamale2012]

I like them on my misses but not on me, however if you really want 1 get 1. You live once.

[BarkMaster]

I don't see the fuss, other than the "permanence". People have adorned their bodies since time began. Ink, jewelry, self-mutilation, fancy clothes, hair, watches (lol - jk), etc.

Many practice self-mutilation in the form of pierced earrings, but since "everyone else" has them, it seems perfectly normal and even expected to poke holes in your earlobes. But for some reason, many of those same people look down on those that pierce belly buttons or even the top of the ear. Go figure.

Choose your tattoo very carefully.

I recommended against "I ♥ JJ" or "I ♥ RADO".

To answer your question, I have a single, small tattoo on my back (shoulder blade). I got it over 10 years ago and still love it and the memory of finally getting it. It's meant to be a private joke to me and it still is, so not telling what it is. If you knew me you'd say "yep, that's him!".

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

And I have to agree with you and Faith, Peter!!

I agree with Faith, Peter, and JJ.
At one time tats held a special significance but today just seem like a uniform.
Just did the 50 thing and it beats the hell out of the alternative.
dP

[ducatidoc]

Just to play devil's advocate: a guy who just got a promotion and is about to embark on a whole new career direction including lots of interaction with euros and Europeans ought to be able to come up with a more appropriate means of dealing with a mid-life crisis. Acceptable modes of expression include at least 1 Porsche, one or more motorcycle(s), a 20-something bimbette or several, along with an outrageously expensive watch or several. Tattoo ? Not so much. Remember you can always unload the others when you pass the crisis.

Of course that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.

[AWATCH]

I have had tattoos since before they were in. I have a few; chest, back, top of arms. The only thing I can say as one that likes them and has them is DISCREET. Even though I have several, even with shorts and t shirt they cannot be seen. They are mine and I show them when I want to. For business or formal attire I do not think they are appropriate. Just my opinions.

[spuds]

I have four.... but they're right at the top of my arms & easily covered when I think necessary.

[padi56]

Two full sleeves and a full back piece

[Brunotheboxer]

I have virgin skin.

[jdc]

its your body and your decision, personally cannot see anything positive about a tattoo nor why anyone would want one

[Ashley]

When I was younger, I wanted lots of tattoos. Now that I am older though, I realize that I cannot think of anything that I would like on my body for life. I change my mind on things too quickly, and I fear that I will regret the tattoo a month or two later.
Depending on the person though, tattoos can look really great. I know a few people that have many, and I love how colourful they look. Though I suppose, the person has to be good looking to begin with.

[Damage Inc.]

Originally Posted by padi56

Two full sleeves and a full back piece

That's more my style.

I got my first (bad) tattoo at age 16- that got covered with a much larger piece when I was 19. Now (38) I have both shoulders and a 'collar' piece that runs just below t-shirt collar level down to the upper part of my sternum & equivalent part of my upper back...as well as my newest project, a Japanese-style dragon that covers my right leg from just above the ankle up to my hip (I'm 6'2"...so there's a fair bit of leg involved).

All of mine have deep personal signifigance.

As for advice: Think long and hard about it...if you're stil unsure, don't do it.

[snow_rocks]

Paul, ever notice the upper left arm of Angelina Jolie?

There is a scar there as a reminder of the tat she got due to

her involvement with Billy Bob, who is no longer in the picture.

Cute couple, huh?

[Damage Inc.]

Originally Posted by snow_rocks

Paul, ever notice the upper left arm of Angelina Jolie?

There is a scar there as a reminder of the tat she got due to

her involvement with Billy Bob, who is no longer in the picture.

Cute couple, huh?

Yeah...another piece of advice: No names.

[brkanand]

None on me yet.

[ducatidoc]

Originally Posted by Damage Inc.

Yeah...another piece of advice: No names.

How do you think Tommy Lee feels having to see "Pam" permanently effaced on his highest priority drumstick ? Mebbe he tells any new prospects that he's a Panerai enthusiast ?

[BarkMaster]

Originally Posted by Damage Inc.

Yeah...another piece of advice: No names.

x2

[spuds]

Originally Posted by Damage Inc.

Yeah...another piece of advice: No names.

I have my wife & childrens names.

If we ever divorced she'd still be the Mother of my children so I'd never get it erased.....

[TattooedGQ]

As it was stated earlier, if you have to ask opinions you probably don't want it. I have 2, first i got when i was 15 second when I was 19 (I'm 29 now) A tribal Cross with a Guitar inside of it on my upper shoulder, and since my Mother is Italian and my Father is Polish, I have a Polish Eagle in front of an Italian flag on my shoulder blade.

I'm getting the itch again, and I'm probably going to do a 1/2 sleeve, I'd love to do 3/4 but for business purposes it's harder to hide if I'm ever in a place where short sleeves are being worn.

All that being said, just remember, It's permanent and they can be frowned upon by certain members of society that you may have to interact with, so coverage is a key. and everyone I know that has something that isn't personal who just got it to look cool regretted it at some point.

[ducatidoc]

Originally Posted by spuds

I have my wife & childrens names.

If we ever divorced she'd still be the Mother of my children so I'd never get it erased.....

Just don't expose that area to any new, um, partners, and you're OK. Tommy Lee, on the other hand, owns stock in opaque, colored condoms.