Tattoos & Friendship: A Love Story (Or Maybe Not?)

22 May 2024

Black Love Art, Fantasy Character Design, Character Art, Twin Flame Art

So, you're thinking about taking the plunge. Not the kind you do in a cold pool on a scorching summer day, but the kind that involves needles, ink, and a permanent mark of friendship. Yes, we're talking about best friend tattoos – those whimsical, sometimes questionable, always-a-conversation-starter declarations of eternal (or at least, until-you-have-a-falling-out) love.

Let's be honest, the idea of getting matching (or even vaguely related) tattoos with your bestie is practically a rite of passage in some circles. It's a way to solidify a bond, a shared experience to giggle about, and a permanent reminder that someone, somewhere, probably regrets getting that dolphin tattoo on their lower back even more than you will (maybe).

But before you grab your bestie and head to the nearest tattoo parlor, armed with matching Pinterest boards and the unshakeable belief that your friendship is immune to the trials and tribulations of life (spoiler alert: it probably isn't, but hey, we're rooting for you!), let's unpack this whole best friend tattoo thing. Because like that questionable pair of platform sandals you convinced yourself were a good idea, best friend tattoos require a healthy dose of consideration, a pinch of caution, and a whole lot of honest self-reflection.

Maybe you're thinking, "But why all the negativity? It's just a tattoo!" And to that, I say, "Sure, it's just a tattoo if you're okay with it potentially becoming a reminder of a friendship gone sour, a faded symbol of what was once a blazing inferno of BFF-dom." Dramatic? Maybe. Realistic? Absolutely.

Okay, so maybe I'm being a *tad* dramatic, but hear me out. Friendships, like skinny jeans, have a tendency to evolve, shift, and sometimes, let's face it, completely unravel. And while there's nothing wrong with outgrowing a friendship (it's a natural part of life, like realizing cargo pants are never coming back in style), do you really want a permanent reminder of that awkward in-between phase when you thought matching butterfly tattoos were the ultimate symbol of your unbreakable bond? Food for thought.

Now, I'm not saying you shouldn't get a best friend tattoo. If you're set on it, go for it! But before you do, maybe consider these alternatives:

Alternatives to Best Friend Tattoos

Option	Description
Friendship Bracelets 2.0	Think beyond the basic camp craft and opt for elevated, personalized pieces you can actually wear in public.
The "We Did a Thing" Experience	Instead of a tattoo, share an experience—a weekend getaway, a pottery class, that new immersive art exhibit everyone's talking about. Memories fade, but bad tattoos are forever.
The Subtle Symbol	Instead of matching tattoos, choose individual designs that subtly represent your bond or shared interests—think inside jokes, meaningful quotes, or even just your favorite colors.