Does anyone not want to tell people that you have Vitiligo?

I struggle with telling people that i first meet whether to tell them if i have vitiligo. Do i sit them all down at once or do i tell one by one? seeing that it isn't contagious nor life threatning. I guess i just feel like then i will have a label on me like the girl with the skin thing.

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  • When I ask people that are close to me what they think about the vit they tell me that they don't see it. They also tell me that we are harder on ourselves more than we should be. You do have mean spirited people but I guess everyone has something that makes them vulnerable and this is what these people pray on. I think it is all about confidence just like with any other thing. I know someone who is black by race and was born albino. He has the best personality in the world and tons of friends and is not ashamed. I think it may be easier with him to cope with since he has had it all his life but he truly is an inspiration to me. I am having a lot of trouble coping with my vitiligo. I was a very confident person growing up. I want to be that person again. I must take my own advice and that is why I have joined this site to maybe gain some tips on how to cope. One person told me it vit may be the first thing they see but your personality and confidence will outshine it anyday.
  • I usually don't bring vitiligo up at all.I'm very assertive, look people in the eye and keep their focus.When I become familiar with them and realize they only want conversation or friendship I will explain what they don't understand about the vitiligo. It has never stopped me from doing anything on a social level.I love the possibility of making friends whenever i get the chance.I also have a sense of humor and that is one ice breaker that makes people feel more at ease.
  • Its true the strangers sometimes may understand it better than the people u grew up with. whenever they find u they make faces.We are struggling but if some one approaches me i explain.
    And there are few people who will face u to ask . but slowly i think with sensitisation about vitiligo people will come know and look at us postively
  • i don't like telling people about it. if they ask, fine i won't be offended, just reminded that i stick out in a crowd. it has brought me problems though, i wear alot of long sleeve shirts so alot of people dont notice that i have vit. My most awkward moments are when men ask me out. I freak out and ask myself, "do they know about my vit??? what if they don't and once we're dating they freak out???" it's a very uncomfortable situation to say the least. So I always end up looking like an asshole for turning men down, when really, it's my insecurities and fears of rejection that hold me back. :((
  • That depends on how you meet them. If someone approach me in a nasty way than my answer would be no because they already ticked me off and the last thing I want to do is continue to talk to them.
    Unless you use makeup to cover, people with our skin complexion to dark skin tones don't have to say they have vitiligo. People will see the difference. Even if they don't know what it is called. If someone approaches you and they seem friendly that usually mean they want to talk to you regardless. You, me, and everyone here know its not contagious but you don't know what's going through the minds of others. Take every opportunity to share at least the basics about vitiligo. I come to find out the more you talk about it, the more you can cope and deal with it.
    • i was meaning on a new job. and i do cover my hands with self tanner even though i know people can see something isn't right. i also wear long sleeves so yeah they don't notice it at first.
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