I fight with social anxiety as well so I totally understand your perspective. I don't know him but I'm sure he won't judge you for it. In fact, depending on the severity of his anxieties, he might be honored to have someone "vulnerable"/authentic and compassionate like you by his side. Be yourself so he might feel more comfortable being his self as well :D But yes, people who stutter are often made fun of or are perceived as dumb or weird because "obviously" we're not even able to talk properly, how could we actually get something more important done? ...if you ever need a rant about how worthless you can feel, let me know lmaoo :p Would I say living with stutter has made me a more empathetic person? Yes. I've seen the world and society through an invisible disorder and it made me understand that it's not my fault (even though this realization took me so long) and that people with disorders etc. are not just "dumb" or unable to function. I think it's more that our society is so unaware of the impact and effects and severity of disorders that we "feel" dumb and broken. It made me more compassionate because I've been treated in ways I would never treat others. It made me more sensitive to how hurtful day to day actions and sentences can actually be. I've learned to give up on following society because society has never followed me. Or to say it using that beautiful metaphor: I won't finish the race. I'll stop before the finish line, turn around and help those who have been hurt along the way. And if we both finish last, I don't give a F* anymore because that person is more important than the race. Your health is more important than work, school or what society expects you to be, ffs. Does that answer your question? If not, feel free to ask again lol :D