Getting a tattoo, for most people at least, is sort of a big decision.  It’s one of those life long decisions that isn’t easily taken back (and somewhat messily if so).  It also has evolved as a way of making a statement about a person.  A person stamp indicating the bearer’s soul, or something like that.

Still, despite the hip factor of tattoos, there are some which can be instant turn-offs to the opposite sex.  Below are five of the worst offenders.  Getting the below tattoos might speak to your inner soul, but it might speak louder to potential dates, screaming, “Run away!”

Video game characters

Sure, it might be nostalgic to have Super Mario plastered across your back, but what does it really say about you?  You like video games?  The Xbox 360 beside your television and the Nintendo DS in your back pocket say the same thing.  Do you think you are Super Mario?  One would hope not, especially if you’re reading too much into the whole “mushroom” thing.

The bigger problem is the video game characters signal “nerd” to most people who see them.  That’s fine if you’re fine with limiting your dating possibilities to the “nerd” subgroup, but for those who are not it’s best to avoid.  Fair or not, that is still how most people would view a huge Mario and Yoshi riding across your thigh.

The devil

Look, maybe you are a tough as nails biker out looking for a fight.  Maybe, but then you likely aren’t reading this article in the first place.  Since you are, it likely means one of your favorite past times isn’t stirring up trouble at Rolling Stones concerts.  For anyone but those folks, and maybe firemen and soldiers the devil simply is laughable.

What’s the message you are trying to send by placing Satan’s face on your shoulder?  That you’re as tough or as mean?  No, you’re not–that’s already been established.  Maybe you worship the devil?  Maybe, but Jesus, Moses, and Mohammad are no better choices.  It says less about your soul and more your desperation to prove you’re something by drawing pictures of it on yourself.

The name of an ex

This one should be obvious.  Yes, there is the romanticism of permanently branding yourself with the name of your significant other.  Wait, strike that last part.  There is nothing romantic about that.  Instead it seems to signal a sort of sad co-dependency you share.  That’s made even worse when you’re no longer with that person.

The worst thing you can ever do in a relationship is completely subjugate yourself.  A tattoo of the other person’s name is the adult equivalent of your mother writing your name in your underwear before camp.  It signals that left to your own devices you would lose track of whom you belonged to.  You’d be better served by instead getting their favorite flower, animal, or line of poetry tattooed in honor of them.

Anything to do with a band

It can be guaranteed said band thinks far less of you than you do of them.  See the above rule.  Buy a t-shirt or a second copy of their new CD instead.

Someone’s face

The obvious problem with getting an actual face tattooed on you can easily relate back to one of the issues listed above.  Less obvious, at least to some, is that a face is generally meant to look one certain way–the way the person looks.  With Mario or the devil there is some artistic interpreting to be done.

So, in about ten years when you’ve put on a few pounds, that face is going to look bloated.  Not just bloated, but horribly distorted depending on the amount of weight gained.  Compare that to Mario who looks kind of funny the fatter he gets.  Jack Johnson, on the other hand, begins looking kind of scary.  This may not be so much a concern for the immediate future, but if you think you might be on the market again, it’s probably to keep one face per body.

At least, that’s what a clip from the Tyra Banks Show would have you believe.  In the clip a couple appears on Banks’ show.  The woman wants more attention from her man, while he seems more interested in playing video games.  Of course, this is really no different from men who devote time to watching football or playing golf.  Many women feel undervalued in relationships.

What is interesting is the response it has drawn from some gamers.  Poke around on message boards and you will find cries of “bitch” and “whore” directed not only at the woman in the couple, but also host Tyra Banks and guest Morgan Webb (from G4’s X-Play).  Really?

If male gamers would like for the women in their lives to take their hobby seriously, the correct response is probably not to call them a bitch or a whore when they ask for more attention.  When choosing between Master Chief and a woman, the woman will almost always be the correct choice.  The exception being if the Earth ever really does get invaded by the Flood, in which case you should probably stick close to the Chief.

But seriously, is this the way gamers want to react?  A woman questions their obsession and they freak out?  These aren’t even women in their lives, but people on television.  One can only imagine the fury that might erupt had this been questioning from a woman in the same room as them.

Look, if your partner feels neglected by your hobby, then you probably need to choose between the two.  Making someone continually feel neglected is good for neither of you.  And before you make that decision, examine again what you are giving your devotion and time to.  Video games are great, but better than flesh and blood companionship?  The woman in this piece isn’t even asking him to give them up, but simply to devote more time to her.  That doesn’t seem unreasonable.

Via | Game With A Brain

The recent piece on what makes a man a jerk on a first date stirred up some strong emotions (some laughable), but turnabout is fair play. Here’s five ways for men to tell that their date is a jerk. Let the angry women writing in commence.

Doesn’t offer to pay for dinner
While it may still be common courtesy for men to pay for a date, or at least to offer, it is also just plain manners for a woman to offer to pay her way. This shouldn’t just be an empty offer, either. A woman should go on a date with every intention of paying her way. The man, in turn, paying is simply the nice gesture. Dating should not be viewed by women as a way to get a free night on the town. (more…)

First dates are incredibly awkward and uncomfortable. Why anyone would want to make a first date worse defies logic, and yet some people do. Ladies, if your date does any of the following on your first date take it as a sign to leave.

Comments on how much you’re eating
Look, even as a joke between best friends food can become dicey (no pun intended). The last thing anyone should joke about on a first date is how much the other person is eating. If your date does, take it as a sign to get out of there. Making such comments is a sign of control issues. He makes you feel insecure so that he can feel more in control of the situation. (more…)

 

One of the biggest issues in dating can be religious differences. Today people are more likely than ever to date outside of their religion, and it can certainly present some obstacles. Keep in mind the following tips to help smooth the waters.

Define your own religious views first
It’s important when dating to know your own religious views. This may sound silly, but many people simply go to a church or synagogue or another house of worship and never truly define their personal faith. For instance, just because you are raised Baptist does not necessarily mean you most identify with that particular denomination, or even Christianity. (more…)