Bud stuttering is one of the hardest aspects of my life and as I can see yours too. I’ve stuttered since 8yrs old and it always seemed to get worse over the years UNTIL I chose to stop letting it make me who I am. Once you start assuming what people will think of you because of it or any other reason your inner voice won’t let you drop that “they’re going to be annoyed with me or think I’m weird” mentality. Do you think you’re weird? Probably not (but then again we’re all mad weird tbh). All that matters is self acceptance and self compassion. Continue trying your absolute best everyday even on the worst days where the stutter feels like it’s strangling you give yourself credit for talking even though you know it’s fucking hard to do. That right there is confidence, you are confident and bold. Most people are afraid of giving speeches or presenting anything do you think they can imagine how hard it must be for someone who struggles with normal conversations to do the same? Dude! Those “friends” and peers are pussies seriously if it takes someone with a speech impediment to break the ice for them when they can speak clearly THEY ARE WEAK AND YOU ARE STRONG AF! Idk where I’m going with this atm but I hope this cracked a smile for you bc people without a stutter simply will never understand your struggle and for you to continue pushing through the blocks and anxiety you’re going to look back on this in a few years and realize how little what those people mean to you. Wishing you well and a happy holiday