Tattoos in relationships
Getting a matching tattoo with a partner can be seen as a romantic gesture, but it's often viewed as a taboo due to the potential for regret or painful memories if the relationship ends
The idea of getting a matching tattoo with a partner is a complex one, with some people viewing it as a romantic and rebellious act, while others see it as a reckless and emotional gamble. According to tattoo artist Jayson, some clients believe that matching tattoos are cursed and can mark a relationship for an ending.
The taboo of matching tattoos
Bristol-based artist Natalie advises against tattooing a partner's name, calling it "a big no no" and "definitely the kiss of death". Ayşe, a Leeds-based tattoo artist, has also seen many cases where couple tattoos need to be covered up soon after they were gotten. The discomfort with matching tattoos is cultural, with the industry built on the premise of individuality and self-expression.
Permanence in a fleeting world
In a world where connections are often fleeting and reversible, making a permanent statement like a matching tattoo can be seen as a small act of rebellion. Maria, a 23-year-old art student, thinks it's "kind of cool" and compares it to a rockstar, shotgun wedding. Elsie, 26, has a matching tattoo with an ex and doesn't regret it, seeing it as a "timestamp" of who she was at the time.
The fear of aftermath
However, the fear of aftermath and potential regret is a major concern for many people. James, 29, has a matching tattoo with an ex and has had to explain it to new partners multiple times, wishing he had thought about the after. The resistance to matching tattoos is often about what they force us to admit: that we were once vulnerable enough for someone to leave a permanent mark.
Embracing the human experience
Despite the potential risks, some people see matching tattoos as a way to acknowledge the reality of human experience, with all its detours, bad timing, and temporary devotions. Whether worn as a regret or a timestamp, a matching tattoo signals that at least once, you were willing to risk the future for the sake of the present. As Isobel Slocombe notes, this can be a stubbornly human act, one that acknowledges the complexity and impermanence of relationships. The skin may carry the faint, raised white lines of what used to be there, but it's a reminder that real life is an accumulation of experiences, not a curated gallery of polished highlights.
