Man’s Romantic Gesture Backfires When Girlfriend Realizes Her Tattoo Is A Carbon Copy Of His Ex’s

A tattoo is a fun and exciting way to celebrate the things you like, immortalize memories, and get creative. There are even people who get their partner’s name or face as a way to symbolize their love, but this grand gesture can sometimes go terribly wrong.

One woman found this out the hard way after getting a couple’s tattoo with her boyfriend and later finding out his ex has the same symbols. This shocking situation made her feel insecure and regretful because she was stuck with the consequences of her impulsive decision. 

More info: Reddit

People tend to get swept away by the intense emotions they feel at the start of relationships, which can sometimes lead to bad decisions

Woman surprised looking at phone, shocked by a tattoo related to her boyfriend or ex in an indoor setting.

Image credits: namii9 / Freepik (not the actual photo)

The poster shared that she had been working on her insecurity and jealousy in past relationships and had finally reached a place of healing

Woman upset about unknowingly getting the same couple tattoo as her boyfriend's ex, seeking advice and perspective.

Text on a white background stating a post made in the retroactive jealousy subreddit, mentioning hope that it's okay.

Woman couple during a candid moment, showing tattoo details while discussing feelings about a boyfriend and ex.

Text on a plain white background reads about feeling unwell, comparing oneself obsessively, and starting arguments due to insecurities.

Text about woman couple tattoo bf ex focusing on relationship healing and therapy after breakup.

Text excerpt showing a woman couple reflecting on their past tattoo and memories involving a boyfriend and ex.

Two women in a couple showing a matching tattoo, reflecting their bond after a boyfriend breakup.

Man with detailed arm and leg tattoos, wearing a gray tank top and black pants, sitting cross-legged on a chair.

Image credits: Andrej Lišakov / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

When she met her current boyfriend, even though he had a kid with his ex, she went ahead with the relationship, and they ended up getting a couple’s tattoo

Woman couple sitting closely, showing matching tattoos, reflecting on past relationships with boyfriend and ex.

Couple of women with tattoos embracing outdoors, highlighting a strong bond between woman couple and ex boyfriend.

Text excerpt discussing a woman curious about her boyfriend’s many tattoos and their stories in a couple’s context.

Woman couple showing a small sun tattoo on boyfriend’s ring finger, reflecting a special meaning between them.

Woman couple discussing getting a tattoo symbolizing their relationship with her boyfriend and ex experiences.

Woman couple showing matching sun and moon tattoos, symbolizing a meaningful connection with her boyfriend or ex.

Woman couple discussing tattoos, focusing on a moon and sun tattoo symbolizing connection with boyfriend and his ex.

Woman in a yellow sweater sitting indoors, looking pensive and thoughtful, representing couple and tattoo bf ex feelings.

Image credits: stefamerpik / Freepik (not the actual photo)

The man suggested what tattoo they should get, but only later did the poster realize that she got the same symbols that his ex had

Woman couple showing matching tattoos symbolizing sun and moon after breaking up with boyfriend ex.

Woman couple showing matching tattoos on fingers symbolizing a past relationship with her boyfriend ex.

Two women with tattoos sitting closely, sharing a moment reflecting on their past relationship with a boyfriend or ex.

Text excerpt discussing a woman reflecting on a couple tattoo with her ex-boyfriend and its changed meaning.

Text on a white background reads about struggling to not punish her boyfriend for his past, feeling emotionally strained.

Woman couple sitting closely, showing matching tattoos, reflecting on their relationship with a boyfriend or an ex.

Woman couple showing matching tattoos, sitting closely and smiling, highlighting bond after breakup with boyfriend ex.

Image credits: Unlucky_Pop_7347

The woman began feeling extremely insecure and jealous all over again because having the same tattoo as his ex made her feel like “version 2.0”

The poster shared that when she previously dated, she had struggled with feelings of jealousy and insecurity over her partner’s past relationships. This obsession of hers led her to spiral out of control to the point where she kept comparing herself to other women and turned everything into a fight.

When people feel envious or keep comparing themselves to their loved one’s previous partners, it might be a form of retroactive jealousy. According to research, folks with low self-esteem, insecure attachment styles, or self-doubt might find it hard to move on from their partner’s past romantic connections.

The poster had definitely struggled with her own self-worth, which is why, when she realized that retroactive jealousy was taking hold of her, she decided to work on it. With regular therapy and focus, she reached a point of healing and was able to open herself up to her new relationship, which began on a much healthier note.

The only thing is that, within three months of dating, the OP’s boyfriend convinced her to get matching ink with him. Unfortunately, studies do point out that people tend to regret these kinds of couples’ tattoos more than regular designs. The poster was content with her decision until she later found out that her boyfriend’s ex had the same symbols tattooed on her.

Young woman sitting on a couch looking pensive and emotional, reflecting on a woman couple tattoo and bf ex situation.

Image credits: EyeEm / Freepik (not the actual photo)

The OP only realized that her partner’s ex had the same moon symbol on her finger after meeting her in person. Her boyfriend had clearly kept that information secret when he tried convincing her to get the sun and moon tattoo done. This brought back all of the feelings of jealousy and insecurity that the poster had faced before.

It’s clear that the OP’s boyfriend had tried to manipulate her into getting the same ink as his previous partner, and when she asked him about it, he shrugged it off. This made the woman feel absolutely horrible and like she was just a replica of his last girlfriend.

When it comes to tough situations like this, psychologists advise people to open the lines of communication with their partner and share exactly what is on their mind. Both people might be processing the same situation differently, so clarifying what each of them observed and felt will help bridge the gap between them.

It’s possible that the OP’s partner didn’t think his tattoo idea through and simply liked the sun and moon design enough to suggest it to her. Regardless of his thought process, since the poster decided to ink herself for him, he needs to be honest with her and help alleviate her fears about his past.

What do you feel about the relationship between the OP and her boyfriend, and do you think he purposely made her get the tattoo? Let us know your honest thoughts on this situation.

Folks felt that the woman had made the wrong decision to get inked so soon and that her partner had been extremely manipulative

Woman couple discussing getting a tattoo from boyfriend ex, questioning the decision three months into relationship.

Text conversation discussing advice about getting a tattoo from a woman couple related to a boyfriend and ex.

Text post discussing a woman-couple tattoo situation with a boyfriend and ex, focusing on dishonesty and relationships.

Alt text: Woman couple showing moon tattoos as symbols from boyfriend marking his ex as his women forever.

Woman couple showing tattoo related to boyfriend ex on arm during an emotional conversation outdoors.

Woman couple showing a matching tattoo with boyfriend ex, expressing emotions of betrayal and relationship pain.

Woman couple showing matching tattoos on their arms, reflecting their bond with a boyfriend and ex relationship.

Two women with tattoos sitting closely together, showing a couple dynamic and emotional connection.

Comment discussing a woman, couple tattoo, and boyfriend's behavior, expressing strong opinions on relationship boundaries.

Woman couple with matching tattoo showing regret about boyfriend and ex relationships in casual setting.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing regret and shock over a woman couple tattoo related to a boyfriend ex.

Woman couple showing tattoo while sitting together, with boyfriend or ex partially visible in a casual setting.

Comment discussing a woman couple tattoo involving an ex, highlighting red flags and impulsive relationship decisions.

Woman couple sitting closely, showing a tattoo, reflecting emotions linked to a boyfriend and his ex partner.

Couple discussing tattoo regret as woman reflects on boyfriend’s lie about matching tattoo with ex-partner.

Poll Question

Total votes ·

Thanks! Check out the results:

Total votes ·

Newsletter

Subscribe to Access
Exclusive Polls

Subscribe

By entering your email and clicking Subscribe, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Privacy Policy.

Thank you! You've successfully subscribed to newsletters!

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!

Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda!