My wife and I got matching tattoos today. We’ve wanted them since before we got married, and since tomorrow is my birthday and we had a little bit of extra money, today turned out to be the day. (Click the image for a better look–this was taken right after the work.)

I can understand why a lot of people say they would never get matching tattoos, or tattoos of a lover’s name or image. What happens if the relationship ends, etc. But to me, there’s something about that attitude that’s hopelessly cynical, even for me. I expect my love for Rebecca to last forever–that’s why I asked her to spend the rest of her life with me. What do people think of marriage, if they think a tattoo is “so … permanent“?

I think of our tattoos as another symbol of our love, and our commitment. A symbol is not the thing itself, mind you, but they exist as another expression of all of the faith and hope that goes along with giving your heart to another, and I think it’s wonderful.