I'm 30 yrs old, a female living in Africa. I've stuttered since i was 5 i think and i've managed to get through life mostly ok except of late where i seem to be regressing-fast! However i've learnt two things: just because you avoid the problem doesn't mean it will go away or gey better-you have to confront this head on-period. Two, our fears are often overexaggerated in our minds-its never as bad as it plays out in your head. I've learnt that sometimes we underestimate people's level of understanding and humanity. There's jerks out there no doubt-but there's more amazing people than you think. Your stutter isn't meant to confine you or define you-its part of you not all of you.and YOU need to BELIEVE and KNOW that all day everyday. Also no one's ever made fun of how i talk to my face-but then i came to learn from my friends that people tend to fear me a lot-something about my bearing and choleric-melancholic blend...so you really may be underestimating how people perceive you..i hope this helps. I'm rooting for you!