Well, we'll always have reddit! Definitely an excellent ice breaker. I've had interest in getting a dog not only because I love them but because they're tremendously helpful for anxiety. They'll plunge you into a potentially uncomfortable situation and you have no choice but to react. And I have to say, while you may have felt the pressure to make small talk, I would suggest the people sitting down have power to make small talk as well - those are just my thoughts on the situation. When I feel uncomfortable, especially around other people, I tend to place some responsibility on others. There is a great nsa (national stuttering association) meetup in Minneapolis that I haven't had the balls to attend. I like what you say about just diving in head-first. It's really the only choice I have.