Question:
I've read so many postings on here about people being embarrased to go out in public / go to work / school with coldsores, and can really sympathise.

I've had coldsores since childhood, and currently have a bad outbreak (top lip incredibly swollen). I remember being bullied at school over them, and even today at work one (particularly insensitive) colleague asked me what was wrong with my lip. I just replied that it's a coldsore, and that I was rather embarrassed about it, and that it is actually very painful. He was quite apologetic - I think if you make the other person feel uncomfortable by being quite upfront, they're less likely to make any further comments!

Also worth remembering that LOTS of people get coldsores. I always thought that although true, not many people get them as badly as I do. I'm now not so sure that this is the case - I think a big part of it is that you notice it much more on yourself than you do on other people.

The other thing to remember is that they do go away eventually - I know it's not much of a comfort at the time, but at least you'll soon be back to normal.

Answer:
I definitely think we notice more on ourselves than others notice. I remember being concerned someone would notice something on my face and it was funny because the other person showed me something much more noticeable on her lip that I hadn't even noticed at all. It made realize I was way too concerned about what other people might notice.