Yea and of course I don't mean to say turning a stutter off is the only way to do it. Perfection or no stuttering is basically unattainable right? Having that as the goal is a bit tough. Now...I have no doubt there have been some mean people. I've experienced that too. But I would argue most (not all) are more surprised or shocked. They don't know how to react...which I sympathize with tbh. With that in mind I adjusted to explain more. I decided to just go with my stutter and let it ride and when they inevitably reacted with shock or confusion or even laughter I would match their emotion and explain it as simply as I could. "Yes, I couldnt say that I wanted my burger medium rare because I have a stutter." And if they were laughing I would chuckle along with them, and then never schedule a second date because fuck someone laughing at me from day one right? But usually, if/when it came up in a healthy way, they would ask, and I would explain, matching their tone. And when that was done....usually it wasn't too much of a big deal anymore. Now, maybe all those first dates where I took this approach resulted in then rejecting my because of the stutter....I don't know. But ive had the dates that do bring it up respectfully and do ask valid and meaningful questions. For some partners it wasn't a big deal. For others they acknowledged it and were by my side to help me where I needed it. One thought it was cute (still can't wrap my head around that one). My point is you are a cool independent human being and regardless of your stutter there are reasons someone will want to date you. And your stutter can be part of the situation but it doesn't have to define the situation. Ultimately I decided that if I stuttered I was going to own it.