Having my stutter for 43 years has taught me empathy. I look at the world differently than everyone else and I have to find alternative ways to communicate if I have a block. At 48, I could care less what people think of my stutter. I am married (24 years next month), I have a 15 yo son, and I have the best job as a National Trainer. I truly believe that my stutter is a gift now at 48 whereas when I was in grade school, it was a curse.