While I appreciate who I used to be during my middle school and high school years, present me cringes at the tattoo choices my past self would have made. For instance, middle school me might have gotten something related to My Chemical Romance (though I still love the band…just not as a tattoo).

That’s why when choosing a tattoo, it’s almost always best to choose something abstract and avoid any specific (especially pop-culture) references. The obvious exception being specifics related to your family, but I’m talking about specifics like sports teams, T.V. shows, current idols, and significant others’ names. For example, I’m sure there was someone back in the day who thought their Cosby Show tattoo was golden.

Your abstract tattoo can be related to something specific but — since it’s abstract — its significance can change if you decide you no longer like the meaning behind it anymore. Plus, tattoos make excellent conversational icebreakers. Having an abstract tattoo has the added bonus of built-in small talk with a stranger about something other than the weather or what’s your major.

5. Avoid Anything Trendy

Just like how barbed wire armbands, butterflies on the lower-back, and star-constellations traced down the spine seem like terrible mid-2000s cliches, the reason they’re cliches now is because they too were once trends.

Sure, the ever-popular infinity symbols, geometric animals, and Mandala tattoos that fill Instagram today might seem cool, but that probably won’t be true a decade from now.

I’m not saying that your tattoo has to have several meanings or be totally original, but it’s best to stray a little bit from the beaten path.

6. Understand that Quality Comes at a Premium

When shopping around, you might balk at the quote for your tattoo ranging from hundreds to maybe even thousands of dollars, but understand that you’re not just paying for original artwork. You’re paying for the tattooist’s professional expertise, unique style, customer service, hours of labor, and level of safety.