We understand. I once went without heat/hot water for 3 days in the dead of winter bc I was too afraid to call and give my addesss. When I finally did, the receptionist figured out why I hadn’t called and actually started to sob for me. By the time you were born, I had been trying to hide my stutter for well over a decade. Last year, I learned what causes most stutters and with lots of hard work, I’m now 99% fluent, and I speak more clearly than before. There are different types of stutters 1. Repetitions that are brief and flow easily into next sound 2. Repetitions/prolongations that are somewhat noticeable, stressful, longer, but easily lead to next sound 3. Blocks (long strained awkward pauses, often w strange body movements, eye contact avoidance, grunts, straining, word switching, panic, avoidance, etc) The ACT of trying to hide stage 1 is what causes stage 3. If you allow yourself to have stage 1, then stage 2 and 3 will eventually vanish. If you can afford the McGuire program, definitely try it. But for those who cannot, there are free alternatives (again, it’s hard work!)