This tattoo will always remind you of your best friend-for better or for worse. And while there’s really no place on your body that’s going to feel good having tiny needles stabbed into it over and over, the physical pain is only part of it. Think it would be super cool to have a seashell on your ribcage? One word: YOUCH. And strangers will feel entitled to ask you about it. Also keep in mind that while to you a certain design is CLEARLY a half-bird, half-anchor, other people won’t necessarily see it that way. Make sure it translates well to the body part where you want to get it, too-just because something looks awesome on paper doesn’t mean it will look great on your hip bone or ankle. It should be something that’s meaningful to both of you individually, in addition to being a symbol of your lifelong battle-ship. You know, like when you’re not holding your arms out next to each other. Make sure the design can stand on its own Instead, maybe you both put it towards a spring break trip somewhere amazing next year-there are a ton of things you can do to deepen your bond besides getting inked.

Get a price estimate for your design in advance, and think hard about whether or not this is what you want to spend that money on. And a talented tattoo artist who really knows his/her stuff (which you definitely want) is going to charge a higher rate. Tattoos cost money-often well over a hundred dollars if the design is big or intricate. And definitely have a consultation with your chosen tattoo artist before you schedule an appointment for the real deal, especially if this is the first tattoo for one or both of you. But this isn’t the time to tempt fate if one of you has a history of bailing, so be honest about your doubts or concerns. Is there a real possibility that your BFF won’t show up to your joint appointment, or back out right under the needle, leaving you with one half of an avocado? We’ve all gotten cold feet about something we were originally thrilled over. But even then, you gotta love it.) If you tend to be the decisive one in the relationship, be extra open to your bestie’s thoughts and feedback-and if you’re both having a hard time agreeing on something, maybe go with matching custom T-shirts for now, and revisit the tattoo idea later. This isn’t a Friday night movie that will last two hours it’s a permanent thing on your skin that you’ll have to see every day for the rest of your life. Now is not the time to agree to something you don’t 100% love just because your best friend is completely gung-ho.

Infinity best friend tattoo