As a society, we're kind of obsessed with happy endings. We make a huge deal about celebrity weddings, and every time a couple breaks up, we mourn the loss like it's the official death of all love that's ever existed in the world. But what if staying together forever and ever isn't the only way to have a happy ending? About 90 percent of people in the U.S. get married by the time they're 50 years old, but anywhere from 40 to 50 percent of couples end up getting divorced. Despite those numbers, many people still tend to view divorce as a bad thing or a "failure." But what if it's actually something worth celebrating?
There are a lot of reasons why people get divorced. Maybe they fell out of love; maybe they're making the choice to leave behind an abusive or bad relationship; maybe the two partners decided amicably that it's just time to move on and seek other ways to be happy in life. Whatever the reason, divorce is a choice people make because the relationship they are currently in is not working for them, and sometimes making the choice to move on can be an empowering and inspiring thing.
These 40 ideas for divorce tattoos are focused on the idea that divorce doesn't have to be seen as inherently negative. While some of them do allude to the heartbreak, confusion, and soul-searching work that can accompany the end of a relationship, they also focus on things like being brave, finding a new sense of freedom, and moving on to better and brighter times in life. Tattoos are often used to mark big milestones and changes in people's lives, and these tattoo ideas are some of the best and most beautiful ways to celebrate moving on from a relationship.
Let It Go
An airy balloon is the perfect reminder that it's OK to let go of a bad relationship and move on with life.
No Strings Attached
This powerful tattoo sends a message about breaking free, taking charge, and calling the shots in the future.
Flying Not Falling
This quote tattoo tells people to feel the fear and do it anyway, because there's no way to know what could happen.
Finally Free
Pretty cursive sends a strong message in this simple tattoo of the word "free" that symbolizes so many things about starting over.
The Only Way Out Is Through
Sometimes getting through the hard times is the only way to get to something better, and that's what this tattoo promises.
Fish on a Bicycle
What's that old saying? Oh, yes. "A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle." Never forget it.
Lady Luck
A symbol of luck to take along on the journey of life is a good way to mark a new beginning.
Perseverance
This tattoo is a simple reminder to just keep going, no matter what life brings.
Refuse to Sink
The end of a relationship may be rocky at first, but there is something better waiting on the other side. This meaningful tattoo is about finding the strength to get there.
I Will Survive
There's a reason this is considered the most iconic break-up song in history, and this tattoo offers a way to carry that strong vibe forever.
Love Is Everything
Love is everything, and the right kind of love is worth searching for.
Growth
This tattoo is a gorgeous now to the growth that takes place when we make changes and do hard things.
Press Play on the Moments
Take the good times and leave the bad. That's the message of this clever musical tattoo.
Still I Rise
The famous Maya Angelou poem gets put on display with this simple tattoo that reminds its wearer to carry on.
Be Brave
Sometimes we all need a little reminder to out on a brave face and push on.
Don't Let Fear Win
Fear is a normal reaction to making a big change, but no one should let those fears hold them back.
Never a Failure
Divorce is never a failure. Sometimes it works out, and sometimes it doesn't. Either way, it's a lesson learned.
Broken Rings
Not every divorce tattoo has to be a powerful quote. Some, like this one, can be an illustration of making a powerful choice.
Tiny Heart
This little heart proves that love happened and will happen again, no matter what.
Caged Bird
A bird breaking free from its cage is a powerful symbol of finding freedom and taking charge of life.
Rising Phoenix
A phoenix rising from the ashes is a powerful symbol of rebirth that combines strength and beauty.
Hold the Key
A key is a powerful symbol for a divorce tattoo. It can celebrate getting back the keys to one's heart or holding the keys to the future.
Make a Clean Break
Sometimes it's important to have a reminder of what we really want out of life — and what we don't.
Let It Be
The wrist can be a great place to get a tattoo of something that needs to be present in our minds all the time.
Let Go
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, let it go like Elsa in Frozen.
Mountains
These little mountains are a reminder that life is all about the climb.
Compass
A gorgeous compass tattoo is a perfect guide for the next phase of life.
Love Me for Me
Ultimately, being loved for who we are is what we all want in life, and we have a right to go out and find that.
No Rain, No Flowers
If divorce is a hard time, remember that it's the hard times that lead to the good ones.
Colorful Heart
A heart that is bold and colorful and thriving is a good reminder that the best is yet to come.
Flying Robin
Robins are a symbol of renewal. So are the sunrise and sunset. That makes this tattoo all about the new.
Choose Happiness
No matter what happens, we can choose to start over and find a better path.
Heart & Dagger
This tattoo is a symbol of love ending but also of putting an end to something that isn't right.
Ball & Chain
Sometimes breaking up isn't actually hard to do. This is a good one for those with a sense of humor about it all.
Strength
One simple word: strength. It's strong to admit when something isn't working and make a change.
Heart Rebirth
This tattoo features a heart and a symbol for rebirth to mark a new start in love and in life.
Four Seasons
For everything in life there is a season, and that can include love and relationships.
Butterflies
Butterflies are the ultimate symbol of transformation and a sign that we can carry the good times with us as we fly away.
Growth & Change
Out of one thing can grow something else. This tattoo is a reminder to never give up hope for something better.
Gratitude
Getting the word "grateful" or "gratitude" can be a stunning way to pay tribute to a relationship that meant a lot.
