Regarding “the ignorant people” - Most of my family works in mental health and special education. I’ve often hung out socially with seasoned SLPs who had no idea I was struggling w a debilitating stutter. I hid it by pretending to forget/disinterest/confusion. One was even told in advance, and another has known me literally since birth (met my mom in a birthing class 40 yrs ago and we had dinner with her last month). I wish I was making this up. If seasoned professionals do not understand stuttering, 2 girls you approach “at the mall” certainly will not understand either. Which you acknowledge… I once went 3 days in winter w no heat/hot water bc fear of making a call. I took a 2 yr medical leave from a job partially bc of my stutter - and spent that time practically mute. However, I’m now comfortable talking and can work through my blocks. Even just got a new, better job and *am looking forward* to meeting new colleagues next week.