Why I Eschew the Tattoo as an Accessory

Why I Eschew the Tattoo as an Accessory

I know that in recent years it has become fashionable for women of all ages to sport tattoos. Some display works of art that are readily visible to the general public. Others wear a more discreet design seen only by their loved ones. As a libertarian, I heartily defend the rights of any woman who wants a tattoo. I also have a brother-in-law who is a true artiste with ink. But personally, a tattoo is not for me.

My decision is based primarily on the fact that I am fickle. I cannot imagine deciding on a design that I would love forever. I can’t even love a handbag or a pair of shoes for more than a year. It’s not as if I could stuff a tattoo in the Salvation Army donation bag when it no longer serves me. My hair is at least a slightly different color every month.

And I have no need to sport a tattoo for ornamentation. I buy new makeup every season. My ex-husband gifted me with some lovely jewelry that serves that purpose well. Gold goes with absolutely everything, never goes out of style and can be sold for cash if times are tight.  I’ve no need to ensure it goes with or coordinates with my outfit.  Since I am so particular that my under garments must match, it would send ripples of discomfort through my very being if my artistic ink did not work with my color scheme, my under garments or my outerwear.

My color preferences have also changed over the years. During my blond years, I tended to wear cool colors with an emphasis on hot pinks, fuscia, deep burgundy, and cobalt blues. I also drank white wine and wore a preponderance of dry-clean only garments. Dirt and yard work were foreign concepts. Now as a redheaded country girl, I am drawn to warmer colors such as corals, deep russets, purples, coppers and warm reds, prefer to drink full bodied red wines, and find peace and serenity digging in the soil, planting and remolding my landscape.

Had I decided to indulge in a tattoo at 35, the color scheme would not work with my present day personality.  No doubt the choice of design would have represented a different me as well.

Perhaps that is why one of my favorite quotes from Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” is this: “All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages.”

I seriously doubt there would be one tattoo that would work for my seven ages.

And there is that little issue that I work in a conservative industry where facial hair for a man is still looked upon with suspicion.