‘I wanted something subtle on my shoulder’: Saif Ali Khan recalls how he impulsively got Kareena Kapoor’s name tattooed on his arm; why people make grand romantic gestures

Twinkle teasingly called the move “a bit reckless,” to which Saif responded with his characteristic candour, owning up to his spontaneous streak. Twinkle then asked Saif, “Wasn’t Akshay the first person to know about you and Bebo?” To which the actor replied, “Well, I wouldn’t be surprised.” Akshay added, “It was because I used to get up early, and I saw him going somewhere, and I asked him, ‘What the hell are you doing? Where are you going?” 

But what drives people to make spontaneous or symbolic gestures, such as getting a partner’s name tattooed, in the early stages of a relationship? 

Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, tells indianexpress.com, “Such gestures often arise from a mix of emotional intensity, impulsivity, and unmet psychological needs. For some, it’s an expression of deep emotional connection — a way to immortalise love, much like someone writing poetry for their partner, believing it symbolises permanence. For others, it’s driven by impulsivity — the thrill of doing something bold and passionate, like suddenly booking a couple’s trip after just a few dates, without considering long-term consequences.” 

Then there are those seeking security or validation, hoping that a visible symbol, such as a tattoo, will make the bond feel more real or reciprocated, easing fears of abandonment or rejection. Psychologically, Khangarot states that such acts often reflect a yearning for certainty in an uncertain emotional landscape. 

Why do people often feel the need to ‘prove’ their affection through visible or public acts of love?

Khangarot mentions that the need to publicly display affection often stems from “an anxious attachment style — a desire for reassurance, validation, or social proof of being loved.” For some, it fulfills a healthy need for belonging and pride in their relationship, reinforcing emotional intimacy. 

For others, she says that it may arise from insecurity or fear of invisibility, where love feels real only when witnessed by others. “Psychologically, it reflects how we seek safety and acknowledgment in connection.”

If someone makes a decision in love that feels impulsive later how can they process or course-correct without feeling regret or shame?

When an impulsive decision in love feels heavy later, it’s important to meet it with reflection, not regret. Instead of viewing it as a mistake, Khangarot suggests that one sees it as an emotional snapshot — a moment that reflected who you were and what you needed then. “Processing it involves understanding why it felt right at the time, and what it reveals about your desires or attachment needs. Course-correcting can mean setting new boundaries, slowing down future decisions, or transforming that symbol,” concludes the expert.