Love this thread already! Over my life, I've completely shaped my lifestyle around not having to speak to people. Recently I accepted that this was a huge problem, not only with my speech, but also my anxiety and emotional well-being too. So I made a goal to stop avoiding things, and it was helpful, but it was difficult to even find speaking situations, because like I said, I'd built my life around not having to speak. So I just create opportunities if I have to. For instance, when I'm getting gas, I don't pay at the pump, I go inside and ask. I don't order food online anymore, I call it in. Two years ago, the mere thought of using a phone would have sent me into a panic attack. I was physically incapable of speaking on the phone. People just hung up on me. But after about 8 months, I can use the phone now! I still stutter, but it's not being exacerbated by a mountain of anxiety and fear. I just stutter and move on. No one has cared. I haven't been hung up on once since I began. It's not just the phone either, I'm able to order my own food now. Hell, I order *everyone's* food. My household now knows this is a challenge I want, so they let me order when we're buying food. I barely have any stress over it anymore, it's just another dull daily chore. I'm really proud of myself for getting here.