Backstory: I have been getting tattooed by this mildly famous tattoo artist for a couple of years. Before he ever tattooed me, we hungout twice and slept together once. About a year later I started getting tattooed by him. His books are never open to new clients and I'm lucky that I've gotten on their regular schedule. During the appointments, it has always been professional.
He is married now and I am engaged. My fiancé knows about my history with this artist. It was long before we started dating. Well, he drew a hard line in the sand on me going back for another tattoo. My tattoo people know; it's best to stick with an artist when you find a good one. The artist is absolutely incredible and it has been so difficult finding someone with a similar style.
AITAH for being upset about this? It has been years since I was involved with the artist. I was honest about my history with them. I also paid a $500 deposit that I forfeit after talking with my fiancé. I feel that I'm rightfully pissed, so I'm asking you. AITAH?
Edit to add based on comments:
After he told me he was uncomfortable, I cancelled the appointment. I asked him to reconsider or find a compromise. He said no. My relationship is more important than dying on this hill.
1) I made the appointment without talking to fiance because I've gotten a tattoo from this artist while we were dating and it wasn't an issue (he seemed annoyed but didn't say anything) 2) He is close friends with a couple of girls he's slept with. I trust him so I don't mind. I don't expect his boundaries to be the same as mine. 3) I'm not asking if I should choose the tattoo or the fiance. Fiance wins. I'm just upset and want outside opinions. 4) The fling with artist only lasted a week. It was a year BEFORE I ever made an appointment. And 2+ years before dating my fiancé. It was not serious. 5) I will bring this up to fiance at a later time to find out the deeper reason he didn't want me to go. 6) I recognize that this could be a red flag. As of now, there aren't any other controlling behaviors so I'm not too worried. Comments are 50/50.
Previous tattoos were on my arms. The next piece would have been starting a leg sleeve (outer thigh, I'd wear shorts). Finding a tattoo artist with this level of work is like finding a needle in a haystack. Then it's another battle to get on their books. I CAN and WILL find another artist, but I may have to travel out of state or wait a year or more for an appointment. I will NOT walk into any tattoo shop on the corner. Those who are suggesting "there's tons of good artists out there" have either never gotten a tattoo, or never gotten a good one.