I have had these thoughts before and know it has definitely affected myself in the past. I feel now though, it really doesn't influence my life near as much. I go out and talk to new people somewhat regularly. The thing for me, for the most part.. The first time I meet and talk to people I'm usually able to mask my stutter pretty well where they won't actually realize I have one, I guess i'm just hyper aware of it and choose my words very carefully. But after I get somewhat comfortable around someone or i'm forced to say specific words that I can't change it starts to show more.