Just Ask Georgia: 8/27/2025

GEORGIA, I have a question,

My husband (51 M) and I (53F) have been married for over 25 years. I started getting tattoos three years ago, and I currently have 7. They all hold sentimental meaning for me (one is my late mother’s birth flower, another is a lighthouse in honor of my grandmother, etc.). Most of the tattoos are on my arms, and all can be covered if/when needed.

My husband has complained each time I’ve gotten a tattoo - to him, they are a waste of money (my money - not from our joint account), they're ugly, I have too many of them, and I need to stop.

His argument is strictly about how he feels about my body and how I am choosing to decorate it. One of my arguments is that I have the freedom of self-expression.

During the course of our marriage, the tattoos aren’t the only thing about me that has changed. I’ve also had two kids, gained/lost/regained 100 pounds, had multiple haircuts, and my clothing style keeps up with trends.

Yesterday, I made an appointment for another tattoo. He told me I need to consider the person he married: she had zero tattoos. He said I am changing myself drastically and quickly approaching the limit to where he will no longer find me attractive.

I see his behavior as controlling. He sees my behavior as making drastic, permanent changes without taking him into consideration. He thinks my tattoos are an act of rebellion and not thought out - he has told me my tattoos don’t mean anything else to anyone else but me, so they are pointless. I beg to differ.

Should I really have to take into consideration my husband when it comes to my body and my tattoos? Is it standard practice to have a discussion first, or is my husband overreacting?

TATTOOED

Dear TATTOOED,

Tattoos are a point of contention, but in my opinion, they should be considered a form of self-expression. In days past, tattoos adorned certain groups rather than the general populace (by royalty, military, inmates, etc.) However, tattoos are now much more mainstream.

Keeping your spouse’s opinion in mind is a good idea, but if your tattoos aren’t offensive, over-the-top, or can’t be covered if needed, I find him to be overreacting.

You are not the same person he married 25+ years ago—and neither is he. Growing together is an important part of marriage, and if he is basing his attraction to you on who he married 25 years ago, he has some growing up to do.

With love, GEORGIA

Have a question for Georgia? Email her at whledger@gmail.com. Please note: this column is just for fun. No person, animal, or property has ever been harmed or in danger. Satire is “the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.”