As a girl with 5 tattoos, I can say a few things:
1. They are kind of addictive, and once you have one, you'll think of more things you want.
2. If it is not significant to you or truly meaningful, you WILL regret it. I have one that I got on a whim, and regret it, even tho it is portraying my heritage.
3. Depending on the spot, it is generally more irritating than panful. The ribcage and the back of your calf are the two most panful spots.
4. If it is TRULY meaningful to you, focusing on that meaning will take away the pain. If it is worth having on you FOREVER, it is worth the short time of bodily distress.
5. I have never had a tattoo that only took 45 min, and my smallest one is 2"x2", so prepare yourself for longer than you may be hoping. If you're told it will only take that short of time, you may want to ask another artist on their thoughts, because people who don't know what they are doing will take a shorter amount of time. Tattoos work in layers, and if you go to someone who is inexperienced/not good at their job, even a meaningful tattoo will be regretted.
6. Going through manic/depressive phases is HARD. I recommend waiting longer, maybe even until you go through a depressive phase just to make sure this design is meaningful.
Hope this helps!