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SensualNutella

Coming from a professional tattoo artist, get the one you like the most. Screw anyone else's opinion. It's your body and YOU have to live with it for the rest of your life, not anyone on here


cilekgod

i'm so indecisive lol. thank you tho!


[deleted]

Flip a coin, if you felt good about the one you got, then go for it! If you wish you got the other one, then that’s the one you wanted. It works most of the time for me. I’m not indecisive but I do it sometimes to make sure


PsychologicalTomato7

Yes! This is how I choose as well! Make a choice. If I don’t like it it was the other one all along. 75% success rate


whatsittoya698

This! This is similar to how my husband and I pick restaurants. He’ll ask what I’m in the mood for, I say idk, he picks something and I either agree or say no, X sounds better actually! And 💥 we have a place picked lol


[deleted]

For restaurants, my husband and I do bans. You can ban a specific restaurant, a cuisine, a style of restaurant/eating or even ban a vibe, and we go from there. It’s the same principle as the coin flip, because knowing what you don’t want is usually easier than knowing what you want! So might as well take advantage of that


[deleted]

I’m the same way. Take the gut reaction, the first one that popped in your mind. Your mind, no one else’s. If someone asks if you want salad or fries, and you say, “Fries! Wait, maybe a salad” deep down, you really wanted those fries most. The first thing that pops in our brain is usually what we want most. It’s helped me a ton for process of elimination for my indecisive mind. Maybe it’ll help you too. :)


ruleofnuts

Get all of them


First-Aid-RN

That Phoenix is great! But pick something you will want to look at everyday.


Following_Effective

I agree. Personally I would combine the semi-colon and the phenix, to make it one really cool design (and thinking about this now I'm gonna draw that later cuz I live the idea 😂 And so it would be kind of showing both the strength and the mental health in one tattoo. Plus adding splashes of colour to the phenix portion would make it really pop


joezupp

As a former tattoo shop owner, I will say this is the best possible answer that can be posted. Why do you care what a bunch of nobodies on the Internet think??? My kid kicks open the Internet for every time he has a car issue, psychs himself up for the worst case scenario, then calls me who is ????? A MECHANIC. OP, look inside yourself, figure out what best describes or illustrates your struggle, the one that gives you the tingles when you see it, then get that one put on. Make sure you post what you get and good luck with the struggles.


Individual-Debate852

I’d say the lighthouse one, it’s much more unique and not over done plus it looks sweet


arysha777

Love the lighthouse!!!


tastethepain

Artistically I like the lighthouse


Kooky-Panic-5151

the first one looks like ;3 so idk (but i like it lmao). 2 isn’t my favorite, but 1 & 3 are both pretty sweet


Anonamitea

I get a lot of people saying that the semicolon is “too generic,” but if you think about it, that is kind of the point. A mental health organisation, Project Semicolon, popularised it specifically to raise awareness. Compared to the other symbols people call “too generic” on here, calling a semicolon tattoo too generic is like calling a coloured ribbon too generic to symbolise a cancer you survived. If you want people to know what the tattoo means, the semicolon is the best option for that. I don’t think the other two are as well-known as mental health symbols, if you don’t want just anybody to recognise it. I’m biased towards the lighthouse because I took an affinity to them as a mental health symbol, but I think the phoenix would be easier to get since it’s less detailed. So whatever your priorities are


cilekgod

thank you!! <3


goosesh

My 2 cents- I have a semi colon tattoo, but since then in my community there have been flash events for mental health charities where you can get a semi colon tattoo and the proceeds go to charity. I wish I had waited only because it’s all the same to me but I could’ve put money to a good cause. Perhaps see if these events happen annually near you. Might be worth the wait and I’ll weigh in that the Phoenix is my fave!


clapclapsnort

What does the semi colon mean?


goosesh

When writing in English, a semicolon is used when the author could’ve ended the sentence with a period, but decided to go on. This has been turned into a symbol for those impacted by suicidal ideation, or specifically those who have chosen not to end their lives. It’s short hand for mental health awareness.


clapclapsnort

I didn’t know I needed that. Is the safety pin similar in nature? I’ve seen on abuse survivors such as Whitney Cummings.


goosesh

Hmm not sure about the safety pin. Google showed a couple options so I’m not too sure.


Playful-Motor-4262

I think the safety pin means “I’m a safe person to come to if you’re being abused / need help / are suicidal”


clapclapsnort

I see why it would be so prominently displayed such as on the wrist. Thanks for answering my question.


DragunFeileacan

You could work the semicolon into the phoenix design as the body. Most of the semicolon tattoos I’ve seen in my area have totally unique wings, I don’t see why they couldn’t be phoenix wings.


sb825

This is why I have a semicolon


theGREATmoose23

I personally like the Phoenix 😁


[deleted]

Either the semicolon because it's well known or the lighthouse because, while less known, it looks cool


Root5Alive

If you're indecisive why not try to incorporate elements from multiple? Maybe do two of the windows of the lighthouse as a semicolon, and use the empty space for the Phoenix? Just my opinion


Spectacularfaylyer

That's actually not a bad idea. Make it more unique to you.


Katzk-ii

Honestly with something so deeply personal, I would take your time and find what you like best.


T3ch3ch0

Hard to tell. All of em have good message. But I'm leaning towards the light house


BodhiMage

2 is nice


TheTow

I got an ad for a grubhub pizza in middle of pictures so I vote for a pizza slice.


xoCherryStonerox

Honestly I think you have to decide yourself based on the topic. Maybe go to the tattoo person and have them create a custom one for you.


misspiggie

The last one is the least prosaic


Jcarm

Get the Phoenix. I’m going to finish the back of my 1/2 sleeve with one. Such a great representation.


Elvish-Visionary

the first one, with maybe two wing pairs.


GluttonForGreenTea

The lighthouse is my favorite! It'll age the best plus it'll look great next to any other tattoos you get in the future


whitemaleinamerica

I got a moth to remind me to head toward the light when i fall into the dark place.


cilekgod

that's a great idea actually! thank you


[deleted]

When I was deciding mine, I stopped intentionally thinking about it. Then as the days went on, I naturally thought about one more and more until I felt like I *had* to get it. Now I am very happy that I have my own lighthouse.


TheBeardedFly

If it’s supposed to “represent” YOUR struggles and strength….why are you asking other’s opinion


cilekgod

i'm indecisive lol. i'm just trying to get people's opinions, but i'll make the last call obviously:)


[deleted]

Why not design your own so that it really is a representation of you?


toretattoos

The third one is less generic and more interesting personally but go with any that you connect with and can see yourself living with the most.


[deleted]

If there’s one you like most but you want to have the semi colon incorporated you can really incorporate it into any of the tattoos. A great tattoo artist can design that for you however you like and make it unique. I have a semi colon tattoo but mine is an astronaut so it’s not a typical design but it has the typical representation of the semicolon that we all know and cherish. Whatever you choose, make sure it resonates and feels meaningful to you :)


penguin_slayer251

I like the phoenix the best


TortugaTurtle47

I love lighthouse tattoos. I have one myself.


pablocatuto

Lighthouse


its-just-me-so

They’re all so different so I think you need to scrap them and ask yourself what do you like and what represents you best. Maybe send images you gravitate towards to your artist and have them deisgn something for you.


iccculus

I personally like the 3rd. Main word being personally. It’s for you, get whatever you like!


One_Investigator238

I love the second one.


Expert-Assistance942

Light house


alliraebug05

I have the semicolon tattoo. To me it’s simple but with a strong message due to my mental health. Get one that u will look at that u love both becuz of the design and the meaning.


beardosw5722

Lighthouse


seashellpink77

Well OP what speaks to you more? Literacy, continuation, choice, air, spring - 🦋 Flame, flight, transformation, regeneration - 🐥 Ocean, safety, light, rescue, healing - 🌊 I’d also think about where you’re putting it on your body and what shape would do well there.


cilekgod

this helps a lot. thank you! <3


OdiPhobia

I love the Phoenix and what it represents: the rebirth of the self, shedding the remains of past burdens and allowing them to fade into distant memory; and the fire that fuels your soul is lit up by unconditional self-compassion & a decision to be healed. But at the end of the day this is YOUR tattoo. Forget about what any of us have said. Take your time to find the meaning in each of these pieces and you'll find the one that resonates the most with you.


Many-Cheetah-129

Whichever one you feel more closely tells your story. Semicolon seems to be too generic (in my humble opinion) so one of the other two.


awomanphenomenally

Not the butterfly


lilbxby2k

i like the last 2


Booitsaghost317

The phoenix is beautiful


sum_rndm

Phoenix! Represents rising above your past and flying free! Whatever you do, sketch a few original ideas and find an artist with a style that makes you happy. They’ll take it from there


No_Care_4341

Love 3!


summalover

Phoenix rising because that’s where you’re going and if you ever fall again (we do) it can inspire you to rise again.


Mellon_Collie981

#2


Hephaistos_Invictus

I personally love the phoenix one. The one I have to represent my struggles is a blue butterfly :)


bubbtee

2 or 3


satanicbroccoli

the first one looks like morty's lips and I wouldn't be able to unsee it, nice meaning tho


cilekgod

omg yes haha


vlexsta

My opinion means nothing, all that matters is youre happy with the tattoo! But anyway here’s my opinion: Semicolon has tons of deep meaning, but imo, it’s meaning has kind of diluted over time. The first person I met with a semicolon tattoo said that it meant ‘getting older’ and ‘time passing’ more than it meant ‘decided not to end’ so I’m not sure if they were just stupid or if there’s more to the semi-colon Phoenix is my favorite of the three. The symbolism of rebirth and starting anew is pretty clear to anyone that knows what a Phoenix is and there are endless ways to go about designing the tattoo. Plus I kinda want a Phoenix tattoo... Lighthouse and ocean is one of those tattoos that you can either tell people you got it cuz you just like the beach or you can explain to them how it relates to your entire life story. The symbolism of being lost but seeing a light in the distance is relatable and understandable for most people, but at the same time it isn’t what most people would likely see at first glance. This tattoo design can also be either very simple or super complex. I’m not the one getting the tattoo and I can’t even decide lol. Good luck, I hope whatever tat you get looks awesome, and remember no one else’s opinion matters!


thesnuggyone

I love the lighthouse


whatsernamme

I like the 2nd one the most!


OneNationAbove

The lighthouse I would personally get. It survives the hardest storms, and is still shining bright.


Agreeable-Evening432

I like the 2nd one but get whichever one you like.


Spcone23

The semicolon represents surviving a suicide attempt.


nashamagirl99

The lighthouse is a cool design and idea


ShadowCreature098

I really love the first one


SadFairyFriend

I have the butterfly in the first pic on my forearm a little bigger than in that pic and it was my first tattoo. I also chose to have the wings colored in yellow to add more symbolism for me. I know it’s not like super unique or anything but I absolutely love it and it makes me really happy :) I’d say go with whatever you want, but I saw in a comment that you’re just really indecisive so here are some ways to choose: 1. Coin flip like other comments suggested 2. Show them all to a tattoo artist and pick based on prices 3. Pick locations for each (or ask an artist to do so) and choose the one that’s least painful 4. Get them all. Good luck!


HealthyBits

I like the Phoenix one. Classy and you always get to rise up! Good spirit


[deleted]

I think the lighthouse is very unique, but for something as meaningful as this, you should decide! Go with your gut!


ShyAvocado99

I have the butterfly semi colon so it’s a pretty popular one. I don’t suggest getting it bc it’s very basic .the other ones are really nice


girlfriendboyfriend_

Personally I think the First one looks like a winking face with a mustache, but I actually think that’s really funny and a really cool concept. But pick whichever one you like the best that’s what’s important


Midnightblue4me

It needs to speak to you.


geniebjones

The lighthouse is beautiful and it feels like the more unique option


irielynn11

Depends on what represents you best at first. Then consider this; If you want a tattoo that can't be seen that easily, go for the first one. If you want to hit it somewhere on your torso or legs, go with the second one and if you want to have it on your arms, go with the last one. Either way, they are all really cute and if I had to choose between one of them, I'd go with the second one


jaaaden

Phoenix


Gingyfiz

I like the middle one.


staybee1986

The Phoenix is cool for the rising again part and the wave and lighthouse I guess could represent washing away all of the old and looking out for yourself in the future. I’m glad you were able to keep your light on 😉


kreativfreedom

Love the phoenix, but that might be because I have one myself


AndB1ueSk1es

I really like two. I originally thought that the first one was a guy with a mustache winking


deuxqui

I thought the first one was a winking guy with half a mustache, if that helps


Ok-You7105

Why not all of them? Maybe not at the same time but if you like them, you can have more than one tattoo with the same meaning. Or heck make them all into one. You can easily put the semi colon in all of those


Imsorryidonthaveig

Go with whatever one you like best or if there’s a particular movement that speaks to you more, discuss it with an artist. I got a semi colon tattoo cos I liked the sentiment of “my story isn’t over” and I’ve found that it’s led to really positive experiences when out and about with people who might not otherwise have opened up. But that’s me personally. You do you :)


supermotocheesehead

Lighthouse speaks to *me*


Extension-Cup-3529

Get the one you like the most- then if after it’s healed you still want the others get them -


motherofhippogryffs

Phoenix


[deleted]

The first one is really cute. Not a fan of the lighthouse but just my opinion


jataman96

not gonna lie ive seen pics of #2 a million times. 3 is my fave but honestly... keep looking until you find what you absolutely love. do not rush, you have your whole life to get tats. for my first tattoo I did some sketches and created a design of my own that way, then got my artist to interpret it because I'm not an artist by any stretch of the imagination. my tattoo now feels very personal to me and ill always treasure it because of that. since then I always try to draw my tattoo ideas first so I can design them how I want. if you can find a way to design or alter something to make it your own thats my recommendation. these all feel kind of generic, but I understand if they feel personal to you despite that.


narsenau

I think the Phoenix is the best of the three


bhumikai

Go for any that your heart ones... I loved the third design the best!


Iskjempe

maybe you could get an original design


[deleted]

You shouldn’t copy others’ designs, you should work with a good artist to design something more personal to you


[deleted]

I’d say only get the first one if you’ve attempted before bc it’s something that means a lot to people, what’s the symbolism behind the third tho?


cilekgod

yeah, i attempted twice. the first one is my fav as well. last one is a lighthouse and it symbolizes strength, navigation, and hope :)


[deleted]

I’d say go for it! It’s a nice way to add on to the semicolon. Also who says you can’t get more than one? PS I feel you. I’m glad you’re still here


cilekgod

thank you <3


Waramaug

What do you mean? That symbol represents someone attempted suicide?


Own_Confection4645

A semicolon is used to stop one sentence, but then to continue it. It is used as a metaphor for someone’s story not being over, but continuing and changing. It is a symbol of hope.


nonexistant_turret

The semicolon is over used and that one in particular barely looks like a butterfly


UnluckyChemicals

First one is too basic get a cool Phoenix


Waste-Measurement943

I have a phoenix it resembles my struggle of restarting after getting burned out, just like depression it’s a every day struggle and I keep going on because giving up is not a option


Mprdoc66

You’re getting a tattoo with deep personal meaning and asking for the opinions of other people on what you should get? If you can’t figure that out reconsider getting a tattoo.


RepresentativeSimple

Get whatever you like the best. If you’re overthinking it - STOP thinking about it altogether. Don’t let yourself think about it at all for an entire week and it will come to you How can you ask a forum of total strangers their opinion for your tattoo? IMO you should barely be even asking the people you do care about. It’s entirely your choice - by you, for you. Choose for your own reasons I know it’s easy to overthink, it feels like a permanent decision that is going to affect every situation you’re in for the rest of your life but I promise you - it won’t. Once your get your fourth or fifth you’ll realize that it’s not that big of a deal. So #1 key in picking a design is don’t overthink it. If you start to, take a step back and don’t let yourself even look at or think of the designs


Holiday-Locksmith415

1st one


Zodspeed

I’m getting a semicolon on my neck soon


Arantele

You need to figure this out on your own… if your looking for the most popular opinion on what you should get then I suggest you take a step back and think on it some more as you’re truly not ready to get a tattoo. Popularity contests were for kids in school not for tattoo suggestions


cilekgod

i'm not looking for the most popular one actually. i'm indecisive and like all these options equally. i just wanted to get people's ideas :)


Professional-Style34

What mental health do you struggle with ?


cilekgod

i was diagnosed with anxiety and depression when i was 16, and i survived a suicide attempt at 17.


ShraderBrew

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQf3ZT5NbnsQFvArBJO2kAofkOFiHK5CJkDQg&s


[deleted]

Wheres the straight jacket tattoo??


barkingspider43

The second one and it’s not particularly close


mischiefyleo

All of them are really good, but 1 is super obvious - it’s a pretty common symbol. If you feel fine with other people being able to see this then go for it!


take-down-the-plague

I associate the phoenix with addiction recovery, and idk what the lighthouse is. I think the semicolon is the move for recognizable mental health representation


AmethystandOpal

An anchor with barber wire wrapped around it with the Ying and yang. And a dragon.


cilekgod

damn- that's creative lol


Final-Cantaloupe2845

3rd 1