I totally agree, I generally do go for it anyways, sometimes it works. But there's an undeniable reality that timing/tone are a huge factor in communication, especially humour, and it rarely comes across the way I wish it would. And you're absolutely right - I used to basically never communicate except the minimum when spoken too, that was a very lonely and depressing time. But then I started just saying what I wanted anyways, I've made amazing friends and I'm so much happier and more confident than I was before. Ironically, I think my stutter is worse than ever because I don't think to use my techniques, it's just not at the front of my mind anymore. But I have so many more friends and better conversations now. It's not my stutter that repelled people before, it was my attitude towards it. When I was scared and uncomfortable, so was everyone else. Now I'm easy and unbothered, so is everyone else. But I do think I could be more than I am, even still.