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

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.