postr/StutterSeptember 5, 2024

Does anyone else feel like their stuttering has determined every aspect of their personality?

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Content

Does anyone else feel like their stuttering has determined every aspect of their personality? Recently, while doing the "16 Personalities Test," I realized that I might not be the person I think I am. Every question related to social relationships I would impulsively mark with a negative response. This made me reflect, because I believe that I actually don't know and can't know the real answers to such questions since I've never (since i was 4 years old) had the full freedom to engage in social situations, like public speaking or spontaneously meeting people, without shame or fear of stuttering, and I feel like I'm actually a very friendly and talkative person. Instead, I would avoid these situations defining myself as an introvert, because it was easier. I'm aware that my stuttering has surely made me a more empathetic person full of understanding, but I can't stop thinking about missed opportunities and untapped potential.

Themes

Anticipation & AvoidanceIdentity & Disability

Subthemes

Hiding & ConcealmentOverthinking & MonitoringAuthenticity vs. MaskingIdentity & Self-Perception