A Permanent Reminder

They say actions speak louder than words and sometimes just loving someone isn’t enough. And to express their feelings for their partners, there are those who have taken it upon themselves to settle with a stamp of love, that is a permanent one. Tattooing your partner’s face or name on yourself is a big decision to make, but many people have decided to do the very thing as a way of showing commitment, even if they aren’t married to each other.

found out from readers whether they would have a tattoo of their significant others or not.

In a conservative nation such as Namibia, it’s truly no surprise that a majority of people believed that tattoos of their partners, and tattoos in general, were a big no.

“A tattoo is fake affection,” Peter Katonyala said. “It’s a show off. If you love the person, keeping them in your heart is enough.”

And Leo King Knime agreed, but for less harsh reasons. “Relationships nowadays are very fragile. It can be here today and gone tomorrow like rain! Not even in marriage would I get it. What would I do with the tattoo if there isn’t a relationship any more? Keep it as honour? It is a no for a tattoo of my significant other.”

There’s no doubt that a tattoo is a serious thing – after all, it’s not easy to remove and not to mention how painful it can be, as Charlotte Cloete clarified. “I won’t even endure the pain of a tattoo for my children. I have enough stretch marks, I don’t need extra marks.”

For Rejoice Willhelmson, a tattoo wasn’t a bad idea, but for the right reasons. “I am going to get the tattoo that I desire. He can wait. Let each one get their tats the way they want. Let it be an appropriate piece of ink.”

Stefanus Auseb felt that a tattoo of his significant other was not happening. “The only tattoo I might get is probably the name of my child or something else. Even marriages fail horribly these days and I really do not want to be carrying around regrets. And yes, permanent tattoos can also be removed but no thanks.”

There are several ways to get a tattoo, but most experts recommend that you not try it at home. Laser removals are optional, but it could cost you. Also, if you’ve had a tattoo and it’s in red, well, you’re going to have difficulty removing your ink. Another point to remember is that the hardest tattoos to remove are on the hands, feet and ankles.

“Tattoos are not a sign of true love,” Franco Naobeb said. “It might be an obsession and it definitely does not prove true love. Love is an inner feeling.” Pearl Brown agreed: “It’s easy to get a tattoo but difficult to remove it. People do grow apart.”

Pewa Love also said it was a big no. “No matter how much I may love him… I’d rather have a tattoo of Jesus.”

Because of the risk involved, Rick Esa also said it was a bad idea. “I can’t risk that because nowadays, relationships are so unpredictable.”

Although the idea of getting a tattoo might be scary for some, others are willing to take the big plunge. Just recently, we saw musician Jhené Aiko get a tattoo of Big Sean’s face on her arm. The couple have been dating for about a year. But would you take the plunge?

Andrewine Brandt said yes. “It’s what I’m planning to do! It shouldn’t be about how long we last, but about how much that person means to you.”

Vaino Ndipolifa said there was no doubt he would do it, but there was something to keep in mind. “You have to be careful. You must have reasons why, not because of the love you have for him/her, but it should be about respect and for historical purposes, so that even when you are no longer together, you won’t be hurt much.”

Without thinking twice, Antony Muuba said it was definitely a plan. “My significant other is someone special. So whether we separate at a later stage, she will always be a part of my life with or without a tattoo. Provided it’s not an obvious tattoo like a name, but something unique like a heart made of butterflies will do.”

However, if you do plan on getting a tattoo, remember to think carefully about what you really want, and if you’re willing to keep one there permanently.

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