*TRIG - SCARS*
Went to the park today with family, including my niece who's 7. It was so hot so I thought it would be stupid to sit with a cardi on, so just sat in my short sleeve t-shirt. I usually cover my arms/scars in front of children. I took my niece to the shop and she was holding my hand, she put her hand on my arm and asked why I had so many scratches. I was trying to think what to say, but before I could answer she said "are they from the guinea pigs", I said yes, and she was totally happy with that. She never mentioned it again.
I don't know if I did the right thing, but I think she is too young to know the truth. My other niece who is 14 knows, but has never commented when I've had my arms uncovered. I feel a big relief that the 7yr old has seen and was not phased.
I started self harming when I was 13 (19yrs ago) and I've pretty much always had my arms covered up (except abroad). I'm beginning to feel less ashamed of my scars, and less worried about people seeing. I've still got a way to go, as people like work colleagues and fellow uni students haven't ever seen them, but I'm getting there
