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Is it OK to show scars in public? Should I be concerned about people commenting or should I be self-confident?

Profile: Erynn
Erynn on Apr 11, 2015
Self-Harm Expert
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Whether or not it's "okay" will depend on the situation and how comfortable you are. Sometimes people will comment, so it may help to think of how you might respond in advance. Most of the time people just stare though. I've worn clothes that show my scars for about a a year and a half now and only had 4 comments. They all were "what happened to your arm?" one was pure concern from someone without his glasses on. The other 3 were curiosity. I tend to say "Oh, it's from a long time ago" because I'm typically shocked. It's awkward, but generally well meant or simply ignorant. I've never hand anyone continue a conversation past that point. The first few times I advise bringing some sort of covering clothing with you, so if you get too uncomfortable you can cover up again. The more you show your scars, the less it will probably bother you. Sometimes I pretty much forget I have scars!
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Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Mar 7, 2016
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Scars are beautiful - they tell stories. Don't be ashamed of them - they are a part you who you are. It is normal for people to be curious, so don't be afraid of people's questions, opinions, or comments if they ever come up. It's OK :)
Profile: Estherrrr
Estherrrr on Feb 4, 2015
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It is definitely ok to show your scars in public, just as long as it doesn't make you uncomfortable. I struggled with showing my scars for a long time but now it doesn't make me uncomfortable because after awhile you just stop caring how people are going to view you and what they are going to think. You shouldn't be concerned about what others say because when all is said and done at the end of the day, they aren't you. You are you. All you really need to be concerned about is yourself.
Profile: lisahart0811
lisahart0811 on May 30, 2015
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Our physical appearance is somewhat a reflection of who we are. Since others cannot know us off first instance they use our bodies, gestures, scars, and facial expressions as guidelines. This is a sign of who you were and what you went through. No matter what others perceive, it is your story and yours alone. How you present it can help influence how others see you. Be proud of what you have overcome and many times others will see it that way too. So, yes it is okay and you shouldn't be concerned. A chance to tell the beautiful journey of you!
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Jan 22, 2018
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I think it is completely fine to show scars in public. Yes some people will stare, or even ask you about them which may make you uncomfortable or upset. But at the end of the day you know why those scars are there, and the fact that you're still here, even with those scars shows what a strong person you are. Be confident in who you are, even if some people don't get it.
Profile: ClaireyMarie
ClaireyMarie on Jul 21, 2015
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I think you should do whatever you want. I don't hide mine, and only some people notice. I think that if it tells someone struggling that they aren't alone, it's worth having them on display. I don't care about the people that don't understand and judge me, it isn't my concern.
Profile: LokadiaElaine
LokadiaElaine on Aug 15, 2016
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scars a part of your story. it sucks that you have emotional scars and now you have physical ones too... BUT they are a part of the beautiful you that you are. and you NEVER EVER have to be ashamed to show the real you
Profile: Braesiat
Braesiat on Apr 10, 2015
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definitely be self confident. A lot of times people judge what they don't understand so don't worry about it!
Profile: CJSteckDawg
CJSteckDawg on May 27, 2015
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I think of scars like natural tattoos, so I don't mind showing mine in public. Be brave and authentic. :)
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on May 30, 2016
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I think it's a very personal choice. But if someone wants to display their battle scars in public then I don't see a problem. People might want to show their scars because they want people to know that they are and have been fighting a battle. Sometimes to show the bullies what they have done.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on May 28, 2015
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Of course, it's okay. They're warrior parts. There's nothing to be ashamed. You've done it pretty well. You should be self-confident, they're part of you anyways.
Profile: Belbelbel
Belbelbel on Jun 6, 2016
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Be self confident! It's your body, and your scars. You might want to consider showing your scars to the world if they're very now because you never know who that can trigger - but otherwise, get outside in that tank top and the short shorts!
Profile: Eluna
Eluna on Apr 4, 2015
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It's definitely ok to show your scars in public! Most people will not comment about that, as it's usually really insensitive to comment about someone's scars. Although, if you feel confident enough to show them- go ahead! Wear them with confidence.
Profile: CaptainBatkat
CaptainBatkat on Jun 11, 2015
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I myself have many scars, but I believe it is okay to show your scars in public, it only shows people that you have had a though time, that you had your downs of life, but it also shows people that even through it has been a hard time, you also overcame it! You will always get scars after a battle afterall! You shoudln't be scared about people commenting, be self-confident! It was your battle, and you only show people that you won the battle.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Jul 27, 2015
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It is absolutely OK to show them in public, and you ought to be self-confident about them. Remember, each scar on your body sings a story of your personal victory in battles and lessons learnt from those that are lost, metaphorically. Your body is a battlefield. You're a fighter, love. And the scars are your medals.
Profile: Nahsha
Nahsha on Apr 11, 2016
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If showing scars makes you feel comfortable, then do that. You should ever care about peoples negative comments.
Profile: strawberrybubbles112
strawberrybubbles112 on Aug 4, 2020
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Yes! It is completely okay to show scars in public. You should stay confident, other peoples commenting doesn't matter as long as you feel happy and comfortable to do so! :) Personally, I see scars as a journey we all survived and it shows that we are brave and confident! You do you because at the end of the day, the most important thing to you should be your own happiness, morale and confidence. So yes, it is completely okay to show your scars in public! I hope this answer helped and I hope you're doing well today! - Rebecca :)
Profile: beautifulsilence15
beautifulsilence15 on Apr 8, 2015
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Your scars are your body's way of letting the world know you have lived life. Some people hide their scars like the plague, but I say show your scars like trophies that say you played the game of life, and won.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Jul 5, 2016
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Be self confident, you should be proud to show what you've been through! But it is understandable if you are not yet ready.
Profile: PaleRose12
PaleRose12 on Jul 11, 2016
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Be confident show that there looks or comments don't bother you its important not to cover up scars they are a part of life and its normal to have them so work it.
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