commentr/StutterFebruary 25, 2020

Content

I’m 17f, had a male friend who did that and brought me down a lot. He didn’t want to be around me in public settings because my stutter embarrassed him. He said stuff like “I don’t even know why I’m still friends with you”. Now I cannot stand people who won’t engage when I’m actively trying to have a conversation! I cut him off and he’s always giving me looks in the halls, like I’m the one who was an awful friend or something lmao. Since then I gained a better outlook on trying to be more social with people and providing a lot of the energy in a conversation even if my speech doesn’t always come along quickly enough to match that energy. I still have so many bad moments. But I noticed that the second I started pushing myself out of my comfort zone, and cutting off everyone who belittled me, I had some really amazing interactions and friendships too. I’m kinda rambling now but my point is, people who don’t accept you with your stutter are not people you want to keep around and I’m glad you got out of that seemingly bad friendship. I’d rather be completely alone than clinging to people who were embarrassed by my existence like I used to.

Themes

Coping & AdvocacyIdentity & DisabilitySocial & Relationships

Subthemes

Self-Advocacy & BoundariesAuthenticity vs. MaskingStigma & BullyingFriendships & Belonging