Fashion

Couple Tattoos: Do or Don't?

Sometimes words simply aren’t enough to convey undying love for someone, and something a little more permanent, and personal, is in order. Like a tattoo, you might ask? Yes, like a tattoo. Matching couple tattoos can take many forms, often intended to reflect enduring love for someone, using a symbol significant to the couple, such as a place name, date or event that marks a special moment in their relationship.

Popular tattoo artist Guy Lee, who’s been fulfilling ink dreams for 12 years now, says most of his requests for couple tattoos are from foreigners getting married in Malta, who are keen to etch a memory onto their skin straight after their wedding somewhere in the vicinity of his shop in Mellieha.

“The most common requests are of objects which can be separated into two halves, so that a couple can take half each, such as a heart, as well as wedding bands instead of an actual ring, and a lock and key for those who feel enslaved,” he quips.

What’s the weirdest couple tattoo you’ve ever been asked to do? “After 12 years, nothing seems strange to me anymore. I tattooed a couple that had been married for nine years, and they split up two weeks later. I’ve also been asked to tattoo a bald patch on someone’s head, so really, nothing seems strange.”

Guy says he does advise, however, for couples to consider an image rather than a name or phrase. “I try to talk them into having an image done because it looks better and can explain what words don’t.”

The best thing that can happen to couples with matching tattoos is happily ever after, but truth be told, it’s not always the case. And what are you left with once the ink dries and your once-significant other is gone? A token of a now unpleasant memory. Asked whether he thinks matching couple tattoos are a good or bad idea, Guy’s response is pretty tactful. “Personally, I would get one, but cannot judge whether someone else would want to experience that on their body.”