Man refuses to remove tattoo honoring late ex-girlfriend despite pressure from partner

Although people often move on from past relationships, certain memories can leave an indelible mark on their hearts. While these lingering recollections are usually harmless, they sometimes create challenges in new relationships. A 24-year-old Reddit user, u/blue_snow_2574, shared a personal story about how keeping a tattoo connected to his late girlfriend impacted his current relationship.

The man explained that he had been in a serious relationship with his late girlfriend for two years before she tragically passed away in an accident. The tattoo in question wasn’t directly about her but was significant because she had been the one to tattoo it on him. Following her death, he spent years processing his loss and healing before entering another long-term relationship. "I have taken time to overcome the loss and all the associated trauma," he revealed in his post.

The small, minimalistic tattoo held deep meaning for him, symbolizing much more than his relationship with his late girlfriend. However, his current girlfriend struggled to accept his connection to the tattoo and the emotions tied to it, creating a conflict between them.

"I have tried to explain that to my girlfriend but her thinking is black and white: If you are over her, just get it removed. 'Can’t you do this for me? Don’t you want to move on? It means you’re stuck in the past,'" the man revealed. Further, he asked people on the platform if he was wrong for wanting to keep the tattoo related to his former partner. The Reddit post received an overwhelming response on social media with several people supporting him in the comments section. 

For instance, u/big_door_6909 commented, "Your tattoo is part of your story, your healing, and your past, which has shaped who you are today. It’s not about being 'stuck in the past'—it’s about honoring a meaningful time in your life and the person you loved. If your girlfriend can’t understand that, it says more about her insecurities than your feelings. Removing the tattoo wouldn’t change the past or erase the love you once had, and it’s not fair for her to ask you to do that." Similarly, u/nervousad7170 wrote, "Your former girlfriend really isn't an 'ex.' You still loved her when she passed away, and there is no way to get over losing someone you loved. I think you need to find a girlfriend who is more mature and will understand that."

u/yasumigem wrote, "Tattoos are like permanent journal entries; they mark significant moments and feelings. It’s okay to cherish the memory without it meaning you're stuck in the past. Maybe explain it to your GF like it's a piece of art that means a lot because of the time it represents, not just the person." u/notreallifeliving wrote, "My partner has a tattoo relating to an ex. It literally never comes up in conversation. I didn't know them then, they were long broken up when we met, it's just straight up nothing to do with me. As long as it's not a name, nobody with a shred of maturity should give a sh*t and I think the general consensus nowadays is name tattoos that are tacky and a terrible idea in the first place." u/rocketmn69_ wrote, "Tell your gf that she must remove all photos of her ex from her phone and computer and get rid of anything they gave her. See what she says to that."