i have several tattoos, but the majority have a meaning. my partner and i have the same vine tattoo on our side (mine on my left, she on her right - mirrored) so symbolise our relationship and link to a reading at our civil partnership ceremony about two trees becoming one over time (not as cheesy as it sounds, i promise!). i also have the phrase "per ardua ad astra" on my arm, which roughly translates as "through adversity to the stars" to symbolise my struggles to get through hard times and reach a more positive future. i have some tribal designs on my back that were done when i was younger, which to me are a reminder of being young and impetuous, but even they had significance at the time, and i can appreciate them for that - each one marked a particular event of significance to me.
i know tattoos aren't everyone's cup of tea, but you'd never know i have mine unless i choose to show them to you. i wouldn't ever get one that would be visible at work, because i work in a school and don't think that it is necessarily appropriate...
just my opinion, as ever!