College is a time of change, trying new things and getting to an age where you can (legally) make all those decisions for yourself.
You don’t have parents hovering over your shoulder telling you what you can and can’t do with your life, your money and your body. You’re 18 now and you can walk into a tattoo shop and get that tattoo you’ve been thinking about without asking anyone’s permission.
I’m a D1 enabler. My friend tells me she wants a tattoo or a new piercing, hell, I’ll go with you to get it done! I’m supportive, but I also believe that just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.
When you’re thinking about getting a tattoo there are a couple important factors to consider.
1. Meaning
Does this tattoo design mean something to you? Is it something that you have thought about for a while and want to see on your body everyday for the rest of your life?
Part of the point of a tattoo is to be a permanent marking on your body. If you’re going to look at it every day and smile, if it is going to make you happy or make you feel more like yourself, then do it.
“Meaning” can mean whatever you want it to. There are no guidelines for what makes something important to you and meaningful in your life.
Make sure that you’re getting a tattoo that has meaning to you personally. People often talk about regretting a tattoo, and I think it’s the weakest argument against tattoos, even if it’s true.
You never look at the tattoo you’ve wanted forever and think about if you’ll regret it.
Honoring meaning in your life with a tattoo is my way of addressing the regret factor. Meaningful symbols, words or phrases will always be reason enough in my book.
2. Timing
Is this a decision you’ve been waiting a long time to make, or is it something a little more impulsive?
It can be tempting to decide that since you have the freedom to do something, it’s the right decision. Maybe it is. Maybe it’s something you should think about for a little while.
Once I turned 18, I got eight ear piercings in the matter of a few months. No regrets here, although I will say I have let a couple of them close since.
Use your discretion and make the choice that is right for you. For me, the Pinterest tattoo I saved to my board last week because it’s cute isn’t a good enough motivator for me to get it. Maybe if I sit on it for a while though…
3. Placement
Always consider the placement when looking into getting a tattoo, and consider if this is a style and placement that’s going to affect you in the future.
Nowadays, we always think about how tattoos and piercings shouldn’t be taken into account when looking for opportunities in the job market or for higher education, but sadly, that’s not the truth. There are tattoo locations that can make you “unemployable.”
Make sure to consider the type, style and location of any potential tattoos and the effects (whether intended or unintended) they can have on your future beyond arguments of regrets.
At the end of the day, it’s your choice, and only you can make the right one based on your life and values.