Thanks for the insights! I appreciate it. As I've aged I've gotten more comfortable with stuttering. In part because of the security of marriage (my ex- never minded) and in part because overall contentment with life put me in a position to not care what anyone outside my personal circle thought. I'm accustomed to stuttering on the phone, but at my age I can just figure I don't give a bleep what the person on the other end thinks of me. This is why I've been a little surprised at this current issue. It's a joint problem. My stutter obviously aggravates it, but the anxiety issue is something she's working to manage. But then you're right -- her reaction likely increases *my* anxiety about the situation, which is a vicious cycle. I'll try to stay chill, see if that makes a difference.. Thanks again!