I have married friends with very young kids who ask me about my horrible acne, what do I say to them?

Question

I have married friends who have younger kids that don't know any better, and they always ask me what's wrong with your face or why I have bumps on my face. What do I say? Normally, older people are sociable and polite enough to ignore this embarrassing topic, but for those people who just don't know or understand, what do I say to them other than telling them to piss off, but I can't do that.

Answer 1

From someone who suffered from acne, I can completely empathize with you! The next time a child asks about your skin condition, simply say, "It's called 'acne.' It's a part of growing up. Some people get them, some people don't." (Oftentimes kids are blunt about it because they're, well, kids and there's nothing malicious behind their comments.)

If they persist with their questions, you can change the subject or excuse yourself and walk away. Or ask them to talk to their parents about it because they can better explain it.

Answer 2

I've been in that situation, too. I had acne as a child, but when it cleared up, it left deep, permanent scars. (It seems to be a family trait; my mother and maternal grandfather also have deep scars.)

When a child asks me about the marks on my face, I smile at them and tell them that I had a skin condition when I was younger and that it left these scars on my face. I go on to tell them that it isn't catching, so they can't get it from me (lots of them are afraid they'll get it so it makes them a little hesitant to be around me at first) I answer any other questions they may have about it honestly and kindly. I know they don't mean any harm by asking; they're just curious and want to know. Once their curiosity is sated, they are usually comfortable enough around me to accept and even ignore that I have any flaws at all.

Answer 3

Kids are quite inquisitive, but very innocent. so they just ask what they see oblivious of their effects or implications. I was a kid once, and so were you; it is just the way kids are meant to be. But unlike adults, kids are really timid and therefore cautious of what they are told and if you just told them that; what you are suffering from is just a skin condition that popped up after asking 'such' questions, then they'l never dare to bother you about your skin again.
For adults, just tell them that, none of it was your fault and they should not take it for granted that they don't have it: It can happen to anyone.

Answer 4

I can't believe they would ask such a thing? Honestly, were they born in a barn or something to not know? I am sorry for you and your feelings. I would let them know it is a real issue for you and you'd appreciate them passing on any new, useful acne info if they come across it.

Answer 5

I would tell the children - in front of their parents - that asking things like that is not polite and hurts people's feelings. Your friends need to take some classes on parenting.

Answer 6

Children can be unintentionally rude. First, give them a simple explanation about your acne. Then, explain that it is inappropriate for them to ask such questions to someone about their appearance or disability. Let them know that they should ask their parents in private about such things.

Answer 7

say "i turn kids who can't behave into little bumps and keep them on my face as a warning to the rest of them to act right"

Answer 8

It seems like you are aware that the kids aren't doing it to be rude. You could simply answer the question. You could say something like, "That's how my skin is." or something like that.

Answer 9

Kids are brutally honest. Nothing wrong with that.

Make a joke of it. Big deal.

Answer 10

Explain your condition to them, so they'll stop asking.