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Allow yourself to take up space Recently I've been having issue reciting my phone number, which ends on a seven (7) and is difficult number for me to say. Ive found this issue recently as lots of stores these days ask for a phone number to forward receipts to rather than printing a physical copy. My heart always skips a beat before getting that last number seven out. The only way I've managed to get it out is when I pause and give myself a moment to get ready to say it. I need to feel around for it, if that makes sense for anyone else, I can feel when I'm going to stutter or block on a word and I've found that mentally saying it or waiting until that feeling goes away helps. Sometimes it comes out fluently, or I stutter and just feel less scared or embarrassed because I was mentally prepared for it to happen. There is a few seconds of silence between myself and the person at the till, waiting for me to finish the phone number with the last digit. I know they're confused, but I'm allowed to take my time, I'm allowed to take up this space. You're allowed to pause, to breathe or to think before saying anything. You're allowed to take as much time as you need, and you're allowed to stutter even after that. You're allowed to do what you feel you need to do for yourself, and you're allowed to not give explanation. You're allowed to be and speak just as anyone else is. Again I will say it: You're allowed to take up this space! You owe no one your time or presence, only yourself!