Well, the bar you’ve laid out for yourself is people not judging you, fluency in another language, a great reaction from the super hot girl, and joining the worlds’ most exclusive military force. What sucks is that you’re right: people make judgements whether you like it or not, you’re not going to suddenly be fluent because it’s a different language, the super hot girl most likely won’t react with humanity, and no, the marines won’t want you on the front lines. So now what? I know you’re mad and maybe you’re purposely picking examples out of reach to make your point, but what you’re describing is pretty universal. Everyone realizes at different points in life that they can’t be something, and I DO think it’s healthy to admit that there are things you cannot be. I can’t be an astronaut, a basketball player, an extreme skier - all things I dreamed of, but had to move on from. I found music. I wanted to express myself free of worry so I literally started using instruments to do so. I met a college professor once who stuttered much worse than me. It blew my mind that he chose to be a lecturing professor. It inspired me to teach, something I never thought I would do. I also started informing confused strangers about what I was dealing with and found a lot more compassion than anything else. Life is not what you are experiencing at this singular moment, and basically saying everyone that has found some positive ways to move through life with a stutter are ALL lying is very wrong. I would never say it’s easy. I still dread introductions and practice plenty of avoidance, but it is my reality. You’re right that it sucks. You’re wrong that it’s hopeless. I also want to say keep expressing yourself. Even if it comes from anger, that’s infinitely better than keeping it all inside. Love from Boulder.