I'm sort of in the same boat here buddy. I'm a 19 year old girl who graduated high school in June, and I've realised I need to start taking some responsibility. I, like you, never call somebody since I find it too scary (unless I already know them). I also feel like I suck, like I'll never become successful because of my stutter. "Why me? Why did I have to stutter?!" is a common thought for me, especially since the ratio between male and female stutterers is like 4:1. But with the help of my friends and also by reflecting I've realised something very important that I'm sure will help you too. Stuttering is influenced A LOT by your thoughts. Like, if I'm worried I will stutter, I stutter. I rarely stutter when speaking with close friends and my family. I'm not afraid of stuttering in front of them, since I know they won't judge me. Also, when people ask me questions I haven't prepared for, I'm less likely to stutter since I haven't sat there carefully planning my sentence beforehand. Last week, I even managed to order a lasagne in a restaurant (I struggle a lot with L) since I wasn't expecting the waitress to ask me when she did. So, for me, when I don't have time to worry about stuttering, I don't do it as frequently. Therefore, if I don't worry about stuttering, I don't stutter. I'm sure you've heard this a thousand times, but not caring about what others might think helps quite a bit. To be honest, one of the ways to deal with one's stuttering is exposing yourself to speaking to strangers even though it's terrifying. I tried ordering an ice latte with caramel syrup, and it was awful. I stuttered through every syllable, but I did it and enjoyed the coffee. One thing my mom said to me always helps in embarrassing situations like those; "You can't change what other people think of you. If they think you're strange for stuttering, then that's on them and THEY are the bad person." Another instance where I challenged my stuttering was when my credit card got blocked and I didn't know why. I had to call my bank to find out what the problem was, and it was super scary. But I did it, and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I met my best friends in high school by greeting them and making small talk even though it was so terrifying. I am so happy I did, because I love them so much and they have supported me. What I'm ultimately trying to say is that our brains make situations seem scarier than they actually are. Since you and I are beginning to become adults, we need to start taking responsibility and really challenge ourselves. Think of all the opportunities we'll miss out on just because we're afraid of stuttering! Even though it's scary, let's try speaking to strangers. Start saying "hi" to the cashier at the grocery store, try making friends at university! It will suck at first, but it will get easier, and your stuttering might even ease up a bit. And remember, if people make fun of you for stuttering, it's THEIR problem. You are NOT defined by your stuttering, it is only a part of you. Don't let it take over your life. I wish you luck :)