I don’t get nervous about stuttering because I don’t expect to stutter. That’s because I only started stuttering a few months ago as a55 yr old and I routinely forget that I stutter. I don’t do it all the time, never to my dog or myself, but yes I stutter to my family and friends as well as strangers. But because I have never had to deal with the negative aspects of growing up stuttering, I don’t think about it or feel fearful. I also have a type of neurogenic stuttering that’s not consistent or predictable for certain words or sounds so I never know when it’s gonna occur. I can’t lie; I felt anxious when it first came on; but it took only a few weeks to realize that mature adults were capable of understanding and patience and respectful listening so I’m learning to just be myself and keep talking as I always have. I’m seeing a speech therapist to learn ways to speak more easily because I find that I get tense, tired muscles in my abdomen and chest. But I chat with strangers, volunteer on the board of a nonprofit organization, teach classes, etc, all the stuff I ever did; and people treat me well and I do not feel particularly uncomfortable. Once in awhile it’s awkward, but it passes quickly. The less thought I give to it, the less trouble I have. And those moments when I totally forgot that I stutter and then it happens? I still get those. Surprise!