Matching tattoos typically don’t bring positive images to mind. Most of us probably envision lovesick couples who get each other’s names tattooed on their bodies. We think, “Gee, won’t it be awkward when they break up?”

Not all matching tattoos belong to couples, however. What about matching tattoos that link friends or family together, showing the bond between the two and the obstacles that relationships have overcome?

For three Otterbein students, ink was a way to do just that.

Name: Zach Lowe
Hometown: Westerville
Major: math education
Year: sophomore

What is your tattoo of?
The Greek letters Iota Sigma Iota. The verse is Proverbs 7:17, “As iron sharpens iron, one man sharpens another.” It also says, “Brotherhood is nothing without your brother.”

Who do you share the tattoo with?
My best friend.

Why did you two decide to get this tattoo?
A small group of us were in a church group from sixth grade all the way through high school. Our leader turned it into a mock fraternity, and our main verse was Proverbs 7:17. Freshman year of high school, I was like, “We should get tattoos,” jokingly, but it eventually happened.

Was it your idea or his?
We kind of both decided to get the tattoo. I designed it.

What does the tattoo mean to the two of you?
It’s kind of like an accountability to keep each other on track, watch out for each other and to make sure the other isn’t doing stupid stuff.

Do you have any more tattoos?
I do not. I plan on getting more, just don’t know what yet.

Name: Veronica Schulte-Hordelhoff
Hometown: Columbus
Major: psychology
Year: sophomore

What is your tattoo of?
A giant tree that is half dead, half alive.

Who do you share your tattoo with?
My older brother.

Why did you two decide to get this tattoo?
It was very spontaneous, but we just wanted to share the experience. At the same time, my boyfriend was with us getting a tattoo.

Was it your idea or his?
It was a collaboration.

What does the tattoo mean to the two of you?
It’s morphing from being dead to living. It represents our relationship of going through family struggles to not even liking each other. Then as we both matured we are now best friends. It also represents the simple aspects of life is ever-changing, and bad can turn into something good.

Do you have any more tattoos?
Nope, but I have some in the making.

Name: Allie Schlemitz
Hometown: Dublin
Major: nursing
Year: freshman

What is your tattoo of?
It is Proverbs 3:5-3:6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.”

Who do you share the tattoo with?
My twin sister.

Why did you two decide to get this tattoo?
We had a couple deaths and it seemed like good timing, along with growing up too.

Was it your idea or hers?
It was mutual.
What does the tattoo mean to the two of you?
Never lose faith no matter what.

Do you have any more tattoos?
No.