Originally Posted by
GlassWolf
Hyper-awareness of carrying a firearm is common, expected, and quite natural with a brand new CCW (concealed permit.) One suggestion I have for you, is to wear as much as possible, including around the home, just to get used to the feel of the gun on your person. The more you wear it, the less you'll think about it, until you really don't think about it being there much at all anymore, which will take a few months to reach.
That said, if anyone was to ask me about it, I'd personally tell them what I've told people since 1997. That it's an insulin pump (which I do wear, but on my weak side.) Since this may not be an option for everyone, you have to carefully consider your response, and how you're dressed. I've read of people who've had a child ask them "Is that a gun?" and point to the weapon, which from 4' above the ground at a child's eye level, might be glimpsed under an untucked polo shirt for example. In that case, the person very politely addressed the child and parent, and informed them that yes, it was a gun, and that he is licensed to carry it, smiled, nodded, and moved on about his business. If the person just sees a bulge, which unless you conceal a Desert Eagle .50AE, and you're the size of a slim girl, shouldn't ever really happen, you could just say "oh, it's just something on my belt." and move along, tell them you're a licensed permit holder if you don't think you'll upset the person, you could lie and say it's something else, although that could lead to problems both morally speaking, and if they don't buy the excuse and you end up explaining to the cops they called why you lied to someone while carrying a gun in public.
I've carried with tuckable IWB holsters that allow a shirt to be tucked in so all you see is one or two belt clips. These generally never get any attention. Most times I use an appendix carry IWB holster for a sub-compact (Nano) 9mm, or I use a hybrid crossbreed-style holster for a full sized service pistol (Walther PPQ or H&K P30) at my 4 to 5 o'clock position. I'm 5'6", 115lbs, and I've worn both with as little as a T-shirt and cargo shorts, and have yet to ever be called out.
Something you have to understand about humanity in general, is that situational awareness is something you learn, and rarely something you're naturally born with. 99% of the people out there on the street are too self-absorbed in conversation, or on a smart phone, or looking for a product in a store, to notice anything. If you have cable TV, check out a series on right now called "Brain Games" on the Nat'l Geographic channel. They have an episode that covers how the brain works in relation to the ability to notice things, how small out center of focus really is, etc. Basically, people can look right at things, and not even see them unless they are actively looking for that specific thing at the exclusion of everything around them.
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