Your tattoo idea seems beautiful, especially that watercolor one. But I agree, the content is not what's important here, especially since the content is tasteful and VERY reasonable (I can think of like 3 or so people I know personally who have pet tattoos lol, not to mention the hundreds I've seen on Tumblr, Instagram, etc.). Even when the cat passes, what a beautiful memory to have!

But I think silence is your answer in this scenario, and the answer is no from him.

Replacing a scar with pretty artwork is really empowering and freeing and he shouldn't be making you feel bad. Tattoos aren't just for "bikers" or people like that, I've read surveys that as many as 20-25% of the population have at least one tattoo... they're becoming SO much more commonplace. For younger people the percentage is even higher (my first tattoo was a piece that covers about half of my side- 2 years later and NO regrets!).

I say that you should sit down with him and maybe read off some statistics or specific shops in your area you are thinking about, let him know that this is a very real decision you are making and researching and you want him involved, and no you are not backing down just because he is being vague about it. If you come with facts and a plan, he really can't avoid the topic any longer. Yes he is your boyfriend and sees you often and can appreciate your body, but ultimately you're the one living in this body forever and you should be as happy in it as possible in my opinion! (:

I think your idea is wonderful. Since it's your first tattoo, I'd be cautious about having it done over the scar until you know how you react to tattoos. Tattooing over regular skin hurts, and tattooing over scar tissue hurts more. There's also the possibility that you could be have a reaction to the ink. Red in particular is a pretty common one people react to. These are all things your tattoo artist should mention.

I'd say do a small tattoo first on regular skin just to see how your body handles it and to make sure you don't react to the ink. Then tattoo over the scar so you're more prepared for how it will feel. Tattoos can regularly take hours to finish, even something simple, just due to making a precise outline and then shading. You can also break it up into sessions if need be.

Oh my I didn't think anyone would react to this thread anymore ;; sorry for not replying! I took a break from Subeta, went on a holiday and I forgot that I made a topic in the first place (darn you brain ==)

Thank you all for your advice and kind words! I've thought about this long and hard and I'm first going to get back in shape and let my scar heal first. Since it can take over 12 months for a scar to fully heal I still have quite a few months to go. When I get to the point that I'm fit and my scar has healed I will sit down with my boyfriend and talk to him about it again (basically saying that I want this and I want him to support me at least) since I don't see a point in bringing it up again now since it's future plans right now. At least not until I have decided on what I want specifically (I'm still debating, I'm so indecisive ^^) and maybe talk to a few other tattoo artists to give me some tips to improve on the design (my main issue is if it is possible to get a tattoo I want on the place I want it on). Again thanks so much for the advice, I'll surely keep it in mind!

I dunno about a small tattoo though, I wouldn't know where or what. Perhaps I could talk to an artist and see if they have any advice on that. I don't mind the pain, I'm pretty "strong" when it comes to enduring pain, but I will keep your advice in mind for the ink reaction, thanks!

A tattoo over your surgery scar is a beautiful way to show how strong you were during that difficult time in your life. Your boyfriend doesn't seem like he is too fond of the idea, but maybe if you involve him in the process of picking out the tattoo he will realize why you are doing it and how much this means to you. If not in the end it's your body not his.