This is the answer. OP, where are you located? And how is stuttering awareness around there? I’m in the southeastern United States, and there is next to zero awareness. I don’t think it’s just my region… I’ve felt this way all over the US. I think (at least in my case) most of the situations doesn’t stem from the person intentionally being rude, even though it 100% comes across that way. Instead, it comes from pure ignorance. This does NOT excuse it, but that’s the answer. In my opinion. Are the people straight up mocking you? Or making fun of you? Or are they making dumb little jokes like ‘did you forget your name?’ I haven’t been mocked or made fun of since I was a child. I’m 35 now. But every time I have to introduce myself, order at a restaurant or interact with someone I don’t know in any way, there’s almost always something that they say or do that they shouldn’t. And I really don’t think it comes from a place of being rude. They’re just trying to make a joke to make a the uncomfortable situation of watching a grown man contort his face while standing in tense silence a little more comfortable for them. Again, I’m not saying it’s right. But that’s what I think it is 95% of the time. What’s your opinion on that, OP? Also. Keep handling it how you are. You’re doing the right thing.