How are you involved in the Stuttering community? I am a mom and I try to be a fluent ally. I have *no* idea how much it sucks to stutter. I just know my own life and experiences. I believe others when they tell me their truth. People are here to request and receive support. We don’t know each other. If you have life experience and support to offer, go for it. This is a safe space. Please make sure your tone reflects that kindness and respect. If you’re older, you have a perspective someone who hasn’t lived might not have. When a person is looking down, they may only see despair. That’s their truth. There may be hope right there but they just can’t see it. We’re the ones who need to shine that light. We shine the light from the outside. People who have walked the path and found their way out can give the “been there done that” experience that we can’t. Bottom line: be nice Don’t be an asshole. Don’t kick people when they’re down. OP feels the way they feel. S/he doesn’t need to “justify” a damn thing to anyone.