Hi, I'm pretty much the same but I'm 28. I'd say I don't have any friends either, let alone a partner. I also try to hide my speech, but it's not always possible. My colleagues at work seem to be okay with it, although I don't want to believe it. I would have no problem saying something like "Hey sorry, I just have a speech impediment and talking is not my strong point" to my colleagues in a straightforward way, even if I had to write it down on paper somewhere. Your supervisors who hired you must know that you have this problem, so maybe they could stand up for you in that regard. I know it may come across as "weak" in some people's eyes but I don't care, as a worker I want to set the record straight and have peace of mind and a clear conscience. I'd honestly rather take the ridicule for stuttering than the lovely notion that I'm cocky and don't want to have fun. Sometimes there are better days and worse days. I have the advantage that I don't mind the solitary way of life so much, I think even if I didn't stutter I wouldn't seek company so much anyway. We'll see, maybe that will change. If you want to chat, feel free to write