What do I say to people that ask about my scars without making them uncomfortable?

Your scars have a story. I think you should be telling what it means to you anyways without thinking about how it makes other uncomfortable. After all it's yours and you should not be embarrassed of them and should not be afraid of letting them know. Honestly, people love hearing about stuff like this and anyone rarely gets disgusted (they suck). It's all in our head and we should be proud of these small flaws no matter what. So, tell them what they are, how they are in your life, the hardship you had, the struggle. It is what makes you, you.

Maybe just letting them know that the scars form a part of a personal experience that you have gone through and highlight the struggles you have faced. You don't necessarily need to go into detail about what those personal experiences and highlights look like for you, but if you feel comfortable explaining your scars in a way that works for you and in a way that makes you comfortable is the most important. Here is a link which I find are super helpful when other people notice and ask about self-harm scars: The Mighty: https://themighty.com/2017/11/when-people-ask-about-self-harm-scars/ It can be a really challenging conversation to have and just know that you don't have to tell anyone anything if you don't feel comfortable.

I think it depends on how you feel and your comfort levels around them. Some things to help you judge what to say are: their age and your relationship with them what you think is best to say, you can tell them exactly what they are, you could just say you were ill or you could make up a stupid story if they're being rude and judgemental about it. In the end it is your body and your story say what you feel comfortable saying. If you tell them and they're uncomfortable initially you might find they soon become more comfortable and will support you.

That is a really hard question. It really depends on the relationship and age. When a little kid would ask me I would just say I fell and got a bobo. For adults and if they are close to you I would try to explain sometimes when I’m struggling I hurt myself. I know this is hard to understand but I really appreciate you trying to understand and listening to me. You can always try to go to a school consuler or a trusted adult. Or you can always come on here! Your a We always welcome here even if you just want to chat

It can be difficult to be confronted about scars and to know how to handle that, especially when you are also concerned about the effect your response may have on another person. You do not have to feel obligated to address the topic of your scars if it is not brought up, but if another person brings the topic up, you might handle it in a few different ways. If the person has a close and trust worthy relationship with you, you might consider being honest about a little of your history, however, it is also completely okay to not do that if you do not feel ready for that or feel they might not be receptive to it. You can even ask them why they're asking or if they really want to know to assess their feelings on it. If you don't want to discuss it or feel they wouldn't be open to it you can simply respond by saying something akin to, "It was a while ago, we don't have to talk about it". If you do want to discuss it but are worried about their reaction or making them uncomfortable, you might preface it by stating the circumstances of the injury and how circumstances have changed or why the scars or circumstances are healed or better now. If it is a professional relationship, and you do not feel it is appropriate to discuss the topic or you don't feel comfortable discussing the topic, you can just say something polite but which also recognizes the personal nature of the topic, like "If it's okay, I'd rather not discuss it" or "Sorry, but that's personal and I'd rather not discuss it" and if they press the topic, you can always say something like, "This is a personal question that I don't feel comfortable answering". If it's someone (outside of a medical setting) who is a stranger, or someone you don't have a relationship to, you are not under any obligation to address the topic with them, especially because our bodies (and the marks on them) are so personal. However, if you feel it is safe to address it and you do want to address it, it is best to do it with consideration and kindness for yourself first, and then the other person.

Honestly speaking it is quite rude question to ask by stranger. If it is someone you know than you can tell them about it only if you feel comfortable. Tell them that it is something from your past when you were not okay. So it's something that reminds you how to became warrior. But if a stranger asks you about it than tell them it is your battle scars. And it is most honest answer. You got those scars while fighting with yourself, while fighting with your demons. It was war with your mind that you survived. You overcame it and that what's matter. If they still ask about it than tell them that it's quite long story you are not interested to tell now. If it is child, because they are curious too you can tell them that it is something that reminds you how strong you are. And than ask them what is something that reminds them that they are strong. Honestly asking them question will distract them. I hope dear that you must have stopped it though. I hope that you forgive yourself and glbe gentle with urself. Show urself care and love that u deserve. Ana❤

I have scars as well and it can be difficult talking about them to people who are unaware or don’t have the same experiences we do. First of all, you should ask yourself, what are you comfortable with sharing? It’s your body and what you choose to share about it is your decision. Personally, sometimes I find the easiest thing to say are the basic facts with few details. For instance, “I was involved in an accident,” or, “I had a procedure done,” are perfectly acceptable answers. You don’t owe anyone your personal details or story. Simply saying that you don’t want to talk about it is perfectly okay, too!

First assess the situation. Are you close with this person, have you just met them, is it a family member? I would start by telling someone you are close with about your past. What I say when someone asks me is that is it a heavy topic and I make sure they are ready for it. When it is someone who isn't close with me and they wonder about my scars I will either deflect the question or say I am not comfortable with talking about it. It is not anything personal against them and I am sure they will understand.

With scars on the body it can be very hard to have people see them. If can be hard to explain. A way around this could be saying "I don't feel like talking about it." It gives you less pressure- you don't have to lie and do not have to directly explain to them exactly what the scars are from. Another way could be to say "I was going through a hard time for awhile but I am feeling better now." With this you don't have to directly say what happened and you reassure them a bit which puts them at ease/

You can say that you have been through a lot and that they are reminders of the battles that you won. It was a time of trouble and that they are there for a reason. Or you can say a cat scratched you and lie about the scars because you may be too embarrassed to say the truth. You can also just give them a random answer so they won’t ask anymore questions and they will leave you alone.

I think scars are more like stories to anyone who wants to know about them, however, being someone with my own scars, you will meet people who will never understand and you will meet people who will feel sad and not know what to say, however, it may be the way you present it to them. I have lived a good half of my life with scars on my arms and legs and although when I was younger, I tried to cover them up or laugh them off, but growing up I realized those moments did make me who I am today. I still tell people that they are my own life lessons and I'm okay with them now.

Being honest, but gentle, is one way to go! If it makes you uncomfortable, you can generally express how you struggled with unhealthy coping mechanisms in the past, or, if the conversation warrants it, you can also specifically discuss your past with self-harm. You don't have to go into graphic detail, both because it may be uncomfortable or triggering for yourself, or uncomfortable for the other person, but there's nothing wrong with a genuine response. If someone inquired about your scars, it's not wrong to give an honest answer -- scars are nothing to be ashamed of, and are an indication of your strength in overcoming something that you've struggled with in the past.

While it's great that you're trying to be mindful of how to respond to them without making them uncomfortable, I don't know that that is necessary. They've taken it upon themselves to ask you a very personal question and as such, they should be ready to hear the answer. If the scars are the result of self-harm or an assault, there's nothing comfortable about either of those topics but it's still okay to have those conversations. However, if you do still want to avoid making people uncomfortable, you could possibly preface your answer with something along the lines of, "The answer is going to be really personal. Are you okay with that?"

Talking about scars can be difficult, but they are normal and beautiful. If they ask about your scars then they are eager to know, talk like you would normally would. Tell them about what happened with a clear and confident voice, and if it's something a bit too personal, then simply state that you'd rather not talk about it or go into it. That's a personal boundary people should respect and you should not feel bad for. If you would like to elaborate though, try to explain to them what happened in a clear and confident manner. Scars make you unique and remind you of everything you have survived.

You can tell them, that they are your warrior wounds and they show just how strong you are, how capable you are and how much of a fighter you are. If they get uncomfortable it is not your job to make them feel different. Stay in your own feelings and own them. Tell them, that you can elaborate if they want to try to understand, but know, that no matter what, you are a warrior, and you used this as a coping mechanism, because you wanted to keep fighting and get better. Your scars are a sign of strength - own that.

Give them a small bit of information about the scars at first, only go into more detail if they ask you to do so. Simply start by telling them what caused the scars (I assume self-harm). Then if they want to know more they can ask further questions, if they're not comfortable learning more about the scars they don't have to. You can then answer any further questions they may want to ask about your scars and experiences. Just remember, don't give too much detail unless they ask specifically for detail and only answer questions if you are 100% comfortable answering them.

You should respond to your comfort level. There is no call for anyone to press you for information that you are not willing to give. However, your scars are a part of your journey. They are a symbol and reminder of the depths you have traversed and the heights you have scaled. A soldier shows no shave for the scars they have earned in battle. There is no call for anyone else to have comment over the inner struggles that you have faced and how they are reflected on you. If they ask there is no need to censor yourself for what they have requested to learn.

When people asked me about my scars, I simply said that it was a comfort during a hard time. Help them vaguely understand what those scars are so that they have knowledge of these things. To not make them uncomfortable avoid mentioning what may have been the reason and avoid mentioning how the scars were before. Set boundaries to protect both yourself and the people asking. Explain in a calm manner so that they don't take anything in a malicious way and pay attention to the reactions. If anyone shows signs of discomfort then stop and make sure they're ok or move on to a lighter topic.

I want to let you know how kind it is that you are thinking of other people's comfort! And- and- and.... your comfort counts too dear. Preface - i have many many visible scars of my own. From decades old track marks, self harm, abuse and accidents and everything in between. i used to worry about them and try to hide them. Now i am ok with them. Even proud- like a testament that life was not so soft on me yet here i am- surviving and Thriving. If tattoos and piercings are socially acceptable - why not scars? Short answer- If they bother someone else- then that is their problem. However - i understand that life is not always so cut and dry. and of course you may not feel the same as i do. So- it depends. What "people" are you speaking of? Strangers, co-workers, acquaintances, friends/family? You never have to share anything you do not want to. None of yoyr business is always a good idea. And if you do feel like sharing- why not be honest? The level of detail is up to you- from "i don't want to talk about it" to "that's something that happened in the past" to "one day {this happened}". It's important to remember your comfort counts. You count. It is up to you and your choice. 🙏🏽#biglove tcl

You shouldn't worry much about making others uncomfortable when they are not respecting your boundaries. But, you could try saying something like this if you want: "Oh, I understand what you're saying but, I really don't feel comfortable talking about this topic, could we change the subject?" At first it might seem rash, but, being honest with friends and people around you can be a good thing. That's how people will learn about limits, sometimes we need to communicate how uncomfortable we feel so that others can make better decisions in the future. Don't be afraid to speak for yourself.

You do not need to tell anyone anything that you do not feel comfortable with. You should only be willing to tell someone when you are ready, not when they are. Allowing someone into your life to experience your scars is a big leap into trusting that person with some of your pain. I know that it is difficult for me to open up about my scars with others. Just letting them know that you are not ready to talk about them is a good place to start. They should respect your decision and be willing to give you the time to heal and grow.

You do not have to answer them if you aren't comfortable with it. If you choose to, you could be honest. You aren't responsible for how another person feels though. If they ask, they want to know, so they are taking that chance on getting an answer they might not want to hear. But chances are they already know the answer and might want to hear what you say about it. People have a natural curiosity when they see something that they are not used to seeing and/or that is different. Just remember that you are allowed to speak the truth regardless of what someone else might feel.

I would say that it was from a time in my life when i struggled to process my emotions without harming myself, or that it was from a time when I struggled to love/care for/see myself as worthy of those feelings so I took it out on myself when I was unable to cope with difficult feelingsthey least, for me personally, these were all reasons I later uncovered and still struggle with sometimes. I like to let others know that its ok to struggle, if they too have SH'd, or if they are just curious, that it isn't generally done out of selfishness or a desire for attention, etc, like some people will try to blame people on when they struggle with self harm.

It is your choice whether you want to reveal or keep your scars hidden, you can change your choice whenever you feel to do so. You can tell them that there was a period of your life where you went through some bad times and that you dont want to talk about. If they keep prying, tell them that you're not comfortable talking about this issue and try to change the subject. Your feelings are completely valid, and you should focus on them first. In the end of the day, your scars are yours alone and no-one except you knows the story behind them. If it is someone with genuine and kind intentions, then be open with them.

Never answer questions you feel uncomfortable answering your scars are private and you should only tell people you know you can one hundred percent trust as you do not want that you have been self harming being spread around. So just say to them I prefer not to talk about it or steer away from the situation as if they will feel uncomfortable. To be totally honest they do not really need to know maybe also seek some professional help as that is always usefull but remember you are not ever obliged to tell someone where your scars are from.

Self harm scars are very personal and it can be easy for you and others to see them as a direct negative indicator of life experience. It is a scar, afterall. It is evidence of real trauma. And that makes people uncomfortable as standard. Learning to talk about self-harm and suicide are important to battling the stigma that perpetuates it. We have to push through the obvious/definitive discomfort to get to the point; that these scars exist, they exist for a real reason, that they have meaning and purpose, that they are allowed to exist as much as the experience did. Sometimes I find even assuring the person it is okay to look and to ask questions makes it an easier subject to cover and explore with less fear or judgement.

When someone asks about your scars, it can be extremely uncomfortable and overwhelming. Although lying might not be a good option, if you fear going into self harm may make someone uncomfortable, you can give shot simple answers, such as "it's a long story" or "that was a long time ago" and then direct the subject to another topic. People will usually not press if you are direct, but if they continue the topic, it might be best for you to end the conversation and walk away. Your mental health is always the top priority. It is best to do whatever will cause the least anxiety and stress.