<p>“I would also say, that if a future romantic partner didn’t like it- then that is a good way to screen the control freaks out.”</p>
<p>I could overlook a small, inconspicuous ankle tattoo or something of that nature on a potential romantic partner … but a big thing, like a full back tattoo, or sleeves? I don’t think it makes me a “control freak” to not find that attractive. If someone smoked, I would find that unattractive and likely a deal-breaker – is that being a control freak too?</p>
<p>Tats on men in their 20s, 30 and 40s abound at the gym. </p>
<p>I guess the “turn off” factor for tats isn’t much different than other turn offs people have: too fat, too skinny, too artifically enhanced or assisted, too symetrical, not symetrical enough, too hairy, not hairy enough, too big , not big enough, too scarred, not scarred enough, missing limbs, extra appendanges, etc</p>
<p>Holy batman! She’s 23, its her life. 9 pages on this, lol.</p>
<p>“I would also say, that if a future romantic partner didn’t like it- then that is a good way to screen the control freaks out.”</p>
<p>All kind of reasons why someone may have feelings that have nothing to do with being controlling by nature. As an example, Jewish law prohibits permanent body markings (Leviticus). Not only that, but tattoos remind even many nonobservant of the forced markings done by the Nazis during the Holocaust. So it can be a cultural thing, too.</p>
<p>Wow, I can’t believe there are this many pages on a tat. I always put everything in perspective with my boys. Are they taking drugs? Do they have good friends? Are they healthy? Are they doing good in school?</p>
<p>Take a look around. There are many parents who are struggling with MAJOR problems relating to their children. A tat? If that is the least of your problems then you are doing okay. Specially with a 24 year old;)</p>
<p>Just make sure (which I am sure she would since she is going into med school) that she gets it done at a good safe place.</p>
<p>When someone has a small tattoo- that they like, that isn’t inappropriate and isn’t disfiguring, then I stand by my position that if your potential romantic partner has a problem with that- it is likely that they are going to have problems with other choices that you make- because in the scheme of life- things happen. </p>
<p>When they have a problem with something you feel positive about- perhaps they should stay with some who shares views closer to their own.</p>
<p>Some of us think they are all disfiguring in a way, but we’re willing to close our eyes to the little, inconspicuous, so-called “cute” ones :-)</p>
<p>pizzagirl that is what I mean.
I guess I am at the point in my life where some concessions I will make and some I wont’.
FOr some people- it may mean that they don’t want their sig other to have a tattoo ( or get a nose job- etc) as long as they realize it goes both ways.</p>
<p>We do all have our little areas that we can’t stand- and I think you can not stand tattoos, but still be able to shut up about them. ( although I can’t stand smoking- but because smell is one of the few senses that seems to work 100% it is impossible for me to ignore)</p>
<p>I think where the control freak comes in, is that some people " forbid" others to do thus and such- I don’t think it is usually limited to getting a piercing or tattoo, but also where you can go, etc. Where they get off- I don’t know.</p>
<p>But as far as an adult child goes, I think the less you react probably the better- of course you could always ask them for advice regarding where you should get yours! ;)</p>
<p>07Dad, extra appendages? Um, well, um, yeah, interesting ;)</p>
<p>I thought you point was well made, I just snorted my tea on your last comment!</p>
<p>“When someone has a small tattoo- that they like, that isn’t inappropriate and isn’t disfiguring, then I stand by my position that if your potential romantic partner has a problem with that- it is likely that they are going to have problems with other choices that you make- because in the scheme of life- things happen.”</p>
<p>I’m a woman of generally normal weight / normal build. If I went and got my breasts surgically enhanced to some large size more appropriate to that of a stripper, I can guarantee my spouse wouldn’t be too happy, and I can’t say I’d blame him!</p>
<p>Thanks for all the posts about this issue. I’m still pretty horrified with the idea and hope it doesn’t happen. It was helpful to read all the different opinions.</p>
<p>I guess a mermaid on the arm is better than a rat face on the shoulder as one poster mentioned.</p>
<p>Latest on the list of things people choose to do to their bodies is ear gauging (look it up). A few of the kids in our HS are doing it, and we saw some pretty heavy duty ones in the crowd last week at the MOMA in NYC. D2 thought they were fascinating. Supposedly the holes will close up as long as you don’t go over a certain size (then why do it in the first place??). I don’t really care about tattoos one way or the other, but these are too much for me. I don’t even like wearing heavy earrings.</p>
<p>ispf, I’ve seen this in several people. It looks so disgusting and disfiguring. I have to agree with your D., they are fascinating and hard not to look at (guess that’s the point) kinda like rubber necking at an accident.</p>
<p>OP-you realize its really out of your hands, and i’m glad you do…I’m 17 but when i was 16 my friend and I(also 16) both decided we wanted tattoos and found a way to get them. Neither of us regret them(in fact we love them) and don’t think they will negatively impact us at all!
just be glad she waited to do it, she could have snuck behind your back like us :)</p>
<p>Rocket, please report in 20 years if you still love your tattoos. :)</p>
<p>I had dinner at a mexican restaurant counter tonight- while getting what my D has been craving ( I wanted to indulge her- because I won’ t see her for three months)- the young man that kept me company- had really beautiful tattoos on his forearm.</p>
<p>In twenty years, I’d be more worried about growing a gut or losing my hair than I would about a tattoo.</p>
<p>nicely put sonofopie</p>
<p>BTW did anyone see Lauren Hutton in the new JCrew catalog?
I want what she is taking.</p>
<p>My daughter has her ears gauged, as well as a few other facial piercings. I hope she takes most of it out one day and it heals up, but I’m pretty sure the ears are beyond repair at this point, except maybe by a skilled plastic surgeon. She is a very pretty girl that has destroyed her natural beauty. Her boyfriend hates it too. I would also consider her pretty much unemployable, except by places that cater to that sort of thing.</p>
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<p>Ouch. Those are harsh words, coming from a mother.</p>
<p>Maybe she’s not interested in “natural beauty.” Do you mind if she polishes her nails, wears makeup, or cuts her hair? Those could all be considered destroying her natural beauty, as well.</p>