Truth be told, as a 31 year old I wish I could go back to being 18. I always pushed myself into situations and careers where I was forced to publically speak. I did it as a way to empower myself and to combat my stutter. It led me nowhere. I know the same is not true for everyone but damn it hurts when you realize just how deeply your stutter has impacted your life. It might not matter what others think; however, it does when you need connections (for work, making friends, and finding love). It always matters what other people think of you haha