Definitely talk to your friend. They probably don't understand. Stuttering is super uncommon, and most people just don't have experience with it. I think people laugh or smile or something because they think it's just a brain fart, like when you can't remember the word for zucchini or something. It's hard to talk about it with people, I know, but if they are your friend, they won't want to hurt you. As for giving your name for a tab, try giving a fake name. They don't actually care what your name is, they just need something that they can say to identify you. I always give my name as "Bob" to the local Thai food place, because for some reason "Nathan" is really hard to understand over the phone.... and you hardly ever get asked how to spell "Bob" (though, more often than you'd think!). Plus, it's not \*my\* name, so it's easier for me to say. Heck, try giving an obviously made up name: * Waiter: Want to open a tab? * You: Sure! * Waiter: Ok, what's your name? * You: Sir Mix-a-lot * Waiter: Ha! ok!