I'm sure this question has been asked many times before so sorry for this.
Is it inconsiderate to not cover my arms in public? I mean I usually keep them covered if I have new cuts but don't mind so much if it's just scars.
I hate having to plan my outfits around people I don't know. Like my close friends know I SH and although they're not happy about it they're not all like keep it covered up because they know I have scars and still cut and they understand that it's going to take time for that to go away.
I want to be able to go to the shopping centre without having to plan my outfit the day before. Like I'm covering it up for people that I don't know and who don't know me. I want to not have to care. I hate the fact that people I don't know are going to take one look at my arms and think that they know everything about me
I guess what I'm really asking is if anyone doesn't cover like new cuts when they are out do you get a lot of strange looks, comments, etc.
This really doesn't sound anything like I wanted it to. My brain doesn't seem to want to give me the words I need so sorry if this doesn't really make sense.
Your post does make sense. I agree, it is really annoying having to plan outfits just so other people don't feel uncomfortable. I personally generally tend to stay covered up in public, so I don't know what it's like to experience stares from people looking at fresh cuts etc, but have had a few looks from folk at scars, it's not the most fun experience. But just don't let it get to you, people are probably just nosey, or concerned. It's up to you, wear whatever makes you happy, and if other people are bothered then that's their problem. Besides, it's not as if you're flaunting them, and most likely won't ever see the random strangers again. Take care.
I kept my arms covered up for a long time too, but then it dawned on me . . . I don't know them. They don't know me. And most people are so self-absorbed that they won't stop to go "Hey, do you cut yourself? You really should hide those things."
I don't ever bother to cover them anymore. I wear long sleeves because I want to/because it's cold, not to cover up scars. It happened, they exist, they're not going to stop existing just because you can't see them.
Just my two cents. <.<
Duct tape is like The Force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the universe together.
I kept my arms covered up for a long time too, but then it dawned on me . . . I don't know them. They don't know me. And most people are so self-absorbed that they won't stop to go "Hey, do you cut yourself? You really should hide those things."
This :)
It can feel like a big step - I was a bit anxious over not covering up. But really, after a while you get used to it. Why would you care what random strangers think of you - as Leila said, they're most likely too caught up in their lives to notice much beyond "oh. Scars. Whatever."
If I get strange looks, I sure don't notice them. I wouldn't show fresh cuts, though that's more because they feel very private to me. But scars I don't bother hiding.
You shouldn't have to, no. Most people are too busy with their own lives to be bothered about someone elses. You should wear what you like.
In regards to your questions: I keep mine covered all the time because only 2 people know about it. But if I have new cuts, I don't tend to hide them if I'm with my boyfriend.
F*ck what other people think. It's what you think that counts. I just tend to wear what I want, when I want and not give a crap. To be fair, it did take me a while to get to this point and I did cover up in front of family and relatives until fairly recently.
Also, about the whole fresh cuts thing, I do tend to cover them unless they have scabbed up or are stitched or whatnot, because, you know, they need good air circulation to heal well, but obviously only in front of really close mates or if I'm out on my own and will deffinately not bump into anyone that knows me or, like, if I'm out where it's not going to be much of a focus point or whatever. But, like I said, it has taken me about 3 years to get to this point so yeah...
Good luck!
The world is just illusion always trying to change me.
You will find wonder wherever you can, and spread joy whenever you are able.
I felt emotions of gentleness and pleasure, that had long appeared dead, divide within me. - Frankenstein.
