I used to think I wanted a tattoo. I thought (and still think) they’re marvelous looking, and I love the idea of having a tattoo to commemorate something special in your life. But I’ve never gotten one, and I have several reasons.

First, I’m afraid of allergic reactions. I know that I have a nickel allergy, a copper sensitivity, and who knows what else? I don’t know what they use for color in tattoo ink, but I bet metals are used in the ink. The last thing I need is to become allergic to something that’s injected under my skin.
Second, I read somewhere that tattoos have been linked to depression. As I’m already prone to depression, and I’ve had reactions of depression to other things, I don’t think exposing myself to more depression is a good idea.
Finally, I don’t know how well it would age. I’m over 60, and I’ve seen tattoos age. Putting one on my old skin is an imminent disaster.
But if I were to get a tattoo, it would be a photorealistic dragonfly on my shoulder, with a slight bit of irridescence in its wings (if possible). The irony here is that I would never be able to see it, so where’s the enjoyment in that? It’s just not a good idea, is it?