Couple tattoos are a powerful way for partners to express their love and commitment. While the idea of matching tattoos can be divisive, with some finding them cliché, many see them as a beautiful and lasting symbol of their relationship. Ultimately, the decision is a personal one for each couple.
Perhaps you’re curious about this trend and wondering why so many couples choose to get inked together. Let’s explore the reasons behind couple tattoos, what they represent, and important factors to consider before taking the plunge.
Why Do Couples Opt for Matching Tattoos?
According to Rachel Wright, a licensed psychotherapist specializing in relationships, matching tattoos serve as a tangible and permanent reminder of a significant person, promise, affection, shared experience, or cherished moment. “When we look at a tattoo on our skin, it evokes an emotion. With a couple tattoo, this feeling can be amplified to include belonging, happiness, commitment, or a deeper connection,” Wright explains.
Some couples believe that the process of getting a tattoo together strengthens their bond. “A shared experience, like getting matching tattoos, can indeed bring couples closer,” Wright notes. However, she cautions against viewing tattoos as a relationshipBand-Aid. “Like any symbolic gesture, its impact depends on the underlying dynamics of the relationship. The meaning and expectations each partner brings to the experience will determine its true effect.”
The Symbolism Behind Matching Couple Tattoos
While the personal meaning of a tattoo is always paramount, tattoo artists have observed an evolution in the symbolism of couple tattoos. Saem Kim, a tattoo artist based in California, notes a shift from possessive connotations to celebrations of connection. “Historically, matching tattoos sometimes carried a territorial undertone. Today, I often see friends and couples using tattoos to tell their shared story, celebrating their bond and what they mean to each other,” Kim tells Glamour.
“We see designs inspired by current trends, like interconnected chains reminiscent of permanent jewelry, or initials that link together,” she adds. “Conversely, couple tattoos can also represent overcoming hardships together, permanently marking a moment of shared resilience on their bodies.”
Essential Questions Before Getting Couple Tattoos
If you and your partner are considering matching tattoos, experts recommend introspection. Ask yourselves crucial questions: How might you feel about this tattoo if the relationship changes in the future? “What is your ‘why’ for getting this tattoo? Why this specific design, and why together? What does this symbol mean to both of you individually and as a couple?” Wright advises. Open and honest communication with your partner is key before making this permanent decision together.
