Learning how to be confident and handle other people's reactions can help people with disfigurements get more out of social interactions. Using positive body language and having a set of responses ready to use if people stare at you can be helpful.

Body language tips Think about what your body language is saying. Carrying yourself with confidence can help you feel more comfortable and encourage positive interactions with others. Examples of confident body language: maintaining eye contact with someone

speaking in a confident tone

using your face and hands to express yourself

standing tall

keeping your shoulders down

Dealing with staring If people ask you about your appearance, they are not necessarily being hostile. Many people are only curious or even concerned – you might have experienced these feelings yourself when meeting someone who has a visible mark, scar or condition. If someone stares and you want them to stop, try looking back, smiling and holding their gaze for a moment. Many people will smile back at you and then look away. If the staring continues, look back and hold the person's gaze, while raising your eyebrows to show them that you've noticed they're staring. If you decide to say something, you could use several different approaches: "Hello." This lets them know you have noticed them looking at you.

"I would prefer it if you did not stare at me." A firm yet straightforward response.

"My appearance seems to be bothering you. It does not bother me." Confident, firm and clearly labelling the person staring as the one with the problem.

"Your admiring glances are beginning to embarrass me!" The confident and humorous approach.

"We've clearly met before – you cannot seem to take your eyes off me." Humorous, but making the point that their behaviour is intrusive and inappropriate. A quick and effective reply is more likely to end the interaction than saying something that could start a discussion, or even an argument.