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Opened up to a friend recently Some context here: I (16, M) joined my school’s overseas study tour, and on the first night, we did self introductions (the part I vehemently disliked). Obviously, I butchered my own part with the stuttering and hesitations etc etc, but the guy who sat next to me (he’s one year my junior) also had some problems with his speech too. After his part, he buried his head in his hands and felt very depressed. With about 30 people in the room, I didn’t want to talk about stuttering, so with my cheerful demeanour I consoled him and said it was ok, as that’s what I deal with on a daily basis. He smiled and said thank you, then we parted ways to our own rooms. The next day, I realised that we were assigned to the same room for the next few nights. During our conversations I realised that he occasionally stutters on specific words/syllables, which is reminiscent to mine. Bravely, I asked if he had a speech impediment, then he told me that he had a stutter. I replied that I also had one since I was able to talk. I was amazed how both of us can relate to each other, such as our daily struggles (saying one’s name, ordering at restaurants, group discussions, presentations etc.) I also revealed that I was bullied a lot since a young age because of my stutter, and he told me that he also had been bullied before. Furthermore, he reminded me that we shouldn’t give a f*** on those people, as they do not understand our plights and difficulties, and that they are just jerks who simply want to make our lives miserable. It might sound strange to others (possibly non-stutters), but having someone who relates to you in every way (in terms of stuttering) is kinda refreshing. You don’t have to worry about you stuttering, as you know that he/she understands what you are going through, and that they are dealing with the same problems that you are trying to overcome as well. Believe it or not, we actually stuttered less than what we usually do, as there’s no pressure between us; we just spoke how we naturally do (with a stutter!) That’s the best part of having a friend who stutters. Sorry for my bad english.