Dating + stuttering - question for people in long-term relationships
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Dating + stuttering - question for people in long-term relationships Hi everyone, I’m a 30yo woman living in a big city, recently back on the dating scene after ending a long-term relationship last year. I’ve stuttered since I was a kid - it runs in my family. When I’m comfortable it’s barely noticeable, but it can also be moderate to severe depending on the situation. I have both repetitions and blocks, and I’ve developed a secondary behavior of closing my eyes when I’m stuck, which I’m actively trying to unlearn. For context, I’m generally pretty confident - I’m fit, stylish, social, and I’d say fairly attractive - but as many of you know, stuttering tests that confidence daily. I’ve mostly been meeting men through dating apps and, overall, I’ve had good experiences and gone out with genuinely decent guys. I usually disclose my stutter once it naturally comes up during the date rather than leading with it. One thing I’ve found really interesting (and confusing) is how much my stutter varies from person to person. With some men I feel noticeably calmer and more fluent almost right away. With others, my nervous system feels more activated and my speech is much harder, even if they’re kind and objectively “doing nothing wrong.” So my question is for those of you who are in long-term relationships or married: When you first met your partner, did you feel an immediate sense of ease and increased fluency with them? Or did it take time - and they fell in love with you with and/or despite a severe stutter at the beginning? I’m trying to understand how much weight to give that early nervous-system response versus trusting that safety and fluency can grow over time. Would really appreciate hearing your experiences. Thanks 🤍