Tattoos are forever

What is with getting a tattoo?? Is it on a whim or well thought out? Some things I just do not understand. Who are they really for the person getting the tattoo or for others to look at? Too many questions I just do not get. Up till now I was thinking of getting one to represent or remember a special person but after dealing with someone elses issues with it, I think I will keep it to myself and just "Remember"