A 24-year-old man’s decision to keep a sentimental tattoo despite his girlfriend’s objections has been backed by netizens.

The man and original poster (OP), Reddit user Blue_Snow_2574, explained on r/AITAH that the tattoo, which was inked by his late ex-girlfriend before her unexpected passing, holds deep personal meaning for him.

However, his current girlfriend, 29, sees it as a sign that he is still emotionally attached to his former girlfriend and wants him to have it removed.

The OP wrote, “I haven’t been in a serious relationship until this one I’m in now, because I’ve taken time to overcome the loss and all the associated trauma.

“To me, my tattoo holds a lot of meaning — it extends beyond the relationship I had with my ex.

“I’ve tried to explain that to my girlfriend but her thinking is black and white: If you’re over her, just get it removed. Can’t you do this for me? Don’t you want to move on? It means you’re stuck in the past.

“These are some of her arguments. AITAH for wanting to keep my tattoo?”

Many Redditors rallied in the OP’s defense, pointing out that the situation is more nuanced than his girlfriend is acknowledging.

One noted, “That girl isn’t your ex. She’s your late girlfriend and she deserves to be treated as such. You should feel no shame in keeping a tattoo that pays tribute to her.”

Another user criticized his girlfriend’s reaction, asking, “Why is she jealous of something that is not with us anymore? That tattoo holds a memory, and it looks like she is more stuck in the past than you for dwelling on this.”

How to Deal with the Loss of a Partner

Moving forward after the loss of a partner can be uniquely challenging. According to an article from Young, Widowed & Dating, partners of widows and widowers should recognize that honoring a late loved one does not diminish the importance of a new relationship.

“It’s not a competition,” the piece states, emphasizing that past love and present love can coexist without conflict.

Relationship experts note that conflicts over personal choices, especially those tied to past experiences, often stem from insecurity and communication gaps.

In an article from Newsweek, dating coach Sabrina Zohar noted the necessary, yet basic, communication skills that all secure relationships should have.

Newsweek has contacted Blue_Snow_2574 for comment via Reddit.

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