I’ve never had a tattoo but now I’m really getting that inking feeling

Ihave always wanted a tattoo but I’ve never been brave enough. My best friend Sharon got one when we were in 5th year at school, which was actually illegal because we were only 16. It was two red hearts, intertwined, on her shoulder. At the time we thought it was the height of sophistication. It has since been erased by a very expensive (and painful) course of laser sessions, though you could still see the ghost of it on her wedding day.

It’s this permanence that has always put me off.What if I get one and then change my mind? Then there’s the whole age-appropriate thing – what passes as cool and cute when you are in your 20s and 30s could look a little sad on the body of a middle-aged or elderly lady.

Of course, it’s not such a big deal these days. In fact, it seems everyone and their gran has a tat. Dame Judy Dench had “carpe diem” inked on her wrist for her 81st birthday. How cool is that? Helen Mirren has a symbol on her hand which means “we’re all in this together.”

Body art be the ultimate act of self-expression and empowerment. On pages 6&7, award-winning crime writer Claire Askew reveals her inkings helped her cope with negative body image issues when she was a young woman. She tells P.S. books editor Sally McDonald:“Having tattoos feels like a way I can reclaim my body.” She plans many more.

I think she looks glorious and reading her interview has got me trawling Pinterest in search of the perfect Caledonian pine tree which I fancy I’d have on my inner forearm. If only I could find the courage...