How to be more comfortable in short sleeves?

[hurts2b]

l can go out in short sleeves, and have before, but no matter how often I do it there's always a lingering discomfort.

 

[BlueMist96]

Because of scars? Or just self conscious?

 

[nowhere123]

maybe try putting on cooling sleeves?

 

[hurts2b]

Because of scars? Or just self conscious?

Scars, yes. Forgot to say that in my post whoops.

 

[SurrealCereal]

People are going to stare anyway. Don't torture yourself with a hoodie in 30°C summer heat on top of that. In reality people care way less than you think, or at least that is what i think because i couldn't give two shits about them if they judge me for my scars. ;P

 

[BlueMist96]

Scars, yes. Forgot to say that in my post whoops.

There's always going to be shitty judgemental around. If anything, your scars will act as a filter to keep these kinds of people out of your life. Try to let yourself be uncomfortable, and see if it passes with time

 

[ScaredPossum]

I've never been confronted about my scars in public, even when they were relatively new. I think people usually mind their own business.

Though, to feel less scared about wearing short sleeves, I usually wait till my scars have healed enough (where it's not just bright red streaks) that it isn't immediately obvious to someone. Or, I put one -or two- of those large bandage patches on if the wounds aren't scattered across my arm.

 

[echoINTHEMIRROR]

we make Kandi bracelets because they can be A) Huge and B) worn in over 100°F heat without us overheating, but theyre definitely not everyones cup of tea
and like other's have said, ppl usually mind their business. People actually tend to bother me over a scar from one of my cats more than actual s/h scars, which is both extremely awkward to explain (for me) and comfortingly ironic

 

[a-lien]

today I had this weird thought, of ... maybe I should try...
I feel so so disconnected with this world, as if nothings else matters, as if I'M ok with trying ( but I'm pretty sure I can't do this lol... we will see)
But atleast I will try, maybe in an area, where the risk of somebody knowing me, is very low..
went to my doctor today,not near to my home and it was way too warm... (but I had longsleeve , so I didn#t try ;) )

so maybe this could also be a beginning for you, to try this in an area, where there are only strangers...
and have a jacket, to put on, when you feel uncomfortable..

I tried it twice in my area, and people stare and saying mean things to me :( even at a concert, where the chance of people with same problems is high, were someone saying someting stupid.
in another area people were only staring...
at the beach(full of people) most of them were in their own world and thoughts.. this was interesting. maybe only 1 person in many hours, were staring.

 

[name2come]

99% of the people you encounter aren't going to care and even most of the remaining 1% will never say anything about it. What I've learned is that most people are just going through life trying to mind their own business. Some people might clock it, but again the overwhelming majority won't concern themselves with it beyond noticing. I've probably seen SH scars in public, but I completely forget about it. The only time I can recall was an old girlfriend, and that was obviously a different sort of context. Even then, I didn't bring it up. Wasn't my place.

The problem, of course, is that most isn't all. I go through this being fairly fat—not something I can really hide with clothes. I'm sure a lot of people judge me, but I only get a remark once or twice a year. I'm masculine of center, so that clearly has an impact, but some people will run their mouth. I think just yesterday I had some random jerk scream out at while I was bringing my trash to the curb. I think maybe they were making fun of my clothes? It was weird, but that's kind of the point. What helps for me is recognizing that the people who will harass strangers on the street are quite genuinely the weird ones. That's not normal, even in a world where cruelty seems to be winning. They have something wrong with them, not you. That's the absolute and uncomplicated truth. What they are doing is completely outside social norms. Virtually anyone who sees them harassing you is going to think they are wrong. I know that can't make the impact disappear, but it's something that helps me keep it in perspective.

 

[flowerbomb]

I feel you, I hate wearing short sleeves too where I could meet some acquaintances. Only on vacation with only strangers I dont care about that.

 

[westerly_merlin]

Most people don't notice scars so I would say don't worry (not easy, I know).

I have been out with scars that were red but healing and the only person who noticed had loads of healed scars on her arms and legs (she was in shorts and t-shirt) and she gave me a hard time about them because she knew where they came from. No one else picked up on them!

 

[stillbelow]

i think most people wont care nor even notice. some might stare. some might talk behind your back. some might say something. from my experience, the people who've said something are also dealing with the same issue one way or another. an acquaintance who noticed my scars asked me about them and told me if i ever needed to talk, they are a safe place. i noticed before that she has scars hidden with tattoos but i didnt say anything. we are pretty good friends now. scars filter the people you dont want in your life and sometimes bring in the people who you want in your life.

 

[Spit On My Grave]

I like to be naked in my room

 

[GASLIGHTER7000]

i find people don't usually notice, and if they do they usually avoid mentioning it to your face. what makes me most uncomfortable is the stares sometimes, but i usually get those from older people/people whom are less familiar with scars. most people just mind their own business, if they're staring at you they're probably just caught off guard and haven't seen something like that before- also, you'll get more used as you do it more often. but just know most people don't really care at all:)

 

[Cloud Busting]

It was children that worried me the most

The kids that know, know. They'll be kids. Ignoring it has worked best. I've never had to fight back, so I have no personal experiences to draw from. Would love to hear from people who have.

With little kids, I'm just calm and firm. If they keep persisting what happened I just say I don't like to talk about it but I'm ok now.

Usually people just don't really care. If it comes up it's casual.

Consider the tattoo route if you have the funds and the means.