what to tell about cut? - Mental Health Message Board

weird_seed · 09-13-2003, 05:03 PM

I have a large noticible scar on my arm from a bad cut I did to myself a few years ago with a knife. When people ask about it, what is something you can say? I don't really want to say I did it, but there seems to be no casual way to respond.

HoosierBj · 09-13-2003, 07:48 PM

1) Yeah, it looks pretty bad still, doesn't it... and IMMEDIATELY change the subject to something else in your next breath.

2) Jeff Corwin let me go shortly after this happened...

3) Oh, man, I'll spare you the gory details, but thanks for asking...

4) Oh, I don't want to bore you with THAT story, but thanks for asking...

Humor probably works the best, and I know you probably don't want to out and out lie either. Deflection (like most of thse are) work well too.

Maybe someone else can come up with more creative ideas!!

gwenatron · 09-18-2003, 04:23 AM

As somebody who is riddled with scars, I'd say to you
a)Ask them if they REALLY want to know, and if so then tell them the truth
b) tell them to fu*k off and mind their own business
c) ask them what happened to their face

HoosierBj · 09-18-2003, 08:59 AM

Gwenatron I'm still chuckling over "c"!
If he doesn't want to sound TOO belligerant a really really BIG grin right after saying it would probably do the trick!

People are curious. Oddly enough, some people wouldn't believe you if you DID tell the truth in the right tone.
I still vote for deflecting the question, but honest, I'm still laughing over Gwen's third choice!

Spankster · 09-20-2003, 01:43 AM

I cut my arm (on purpose)with an Xacto knife a year and a half ago. I have really bad scars from the staples, stitches and sutures. I was still in college and I did not want anyone to know the truth. I told people that I fell into a window and cut my arm on the glass or I was locked out of the house and had to break a window to get in and while reaching through the broken glass...I got cut.
These worked for me and no one ever questioned me and still does not. I hope this helps!