postr/StutterMarch 30, 2024

Advice Requested - What do you wish you didn’t need to tell everyone?

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Content

Advice Requested - What do you wish you didn’t need to tell everyone? I (30F) do not have a stutter, and have struggled a bit internally over whether or not this space is for me. I worry my question comes across as virtue signaling, or ignorant, which is the complete opposite of my goal. To put it simply: What do you wish the general public knew and understood about stuttering, or having a stutter? A bit of backstory: I have recently made the acquaintance of someone I would like to get to know better. We were introduced in a professional setting and they have not acknowledged that they have a stutter, so I feel like a blunt approach may be perceived as inappropriate or offensive. I am mindful not to interrupt them while they are speaking and don’t offer up words when they are struggling to find them. I genuinely enjoy listening to them speak and try to convey non verbally that I am present and engaged and in no rush. There have been times when they struggle to the point of ending their thought without resolution, and that’s when I start to worry that maybe they don’t want me just to wait silently while they work through the words. I have read from dozens of you that having a stutter is the thing you’re most self conscious of, and the last thing I want to do is make them feel more self conscious of it. I do recognize that I am new in their life and do not take it personally that conversations with those they are more familiar with are much more fluid. TLDR: I just want to be the best friend I can be.

Themes

Community & SupportCoping & AdvocacySocial & Relationships

Subthemes

Validation & EmpathySelf-Advocacy & BoundariesDisclosure & Telling Others