DO:
-Accept it. It is what it is. We can't help it so its time to stop feeling awkward and get over it. We have so you should too.
-Be patient. It may take us a bit to say what we want to say but eventually we will get it out. Patience people, patience.
-Love us. Let us know that you are okay with it and that you love us nonetheless.
-Ask questions. If you have them, ask. We aren't going to get offended by it. In fact, we will gain a whole lot of respect for you.
DON'T:
-Finish our sentences. It is THE MOST annoying thing a person can do. It makes us feel inadequate and unintelligent which is not the case.
-Guess what we are trying to say. This goes hand in hand with finishing our sentences. When you try to guess what we are trying to say, we want to punch you.
-Make sly remarks about it. It isn't funny to us. It is what we have to deal with every day, every minute. We never get a break. And your smart remarks of "she wants to be a speech therapist to learn how to speak correctly" is rude and uncalled for. Don't do it.
-Look awkward. Look at us in the eyes and when we start to block or start having a repetition, don't look away. It makes you look awkward and stupid.
-Huff and puff. If you don't have time to listen to what we have to say, don't talk to us. You obviously aren't that great if you are going to get frustrated at us for not spitting it out.
Stuttering is something I have to deal with. It isn't funny to me. Yes at times we people that stutter make jokes to each other about it. It may sound a bit hypocritical but it is funny when we make jokes to each other about it because we get it. We understand how the other person feels. We are simply just making light of the situation. However when people who don't stutter make stupid comments or mock us, we get hurt. For the most part, I accept my stuttering. I will have to deal with it for the rest of my life and if you can't accept that then I don't particularly want to talk to you. Some days are rough. Some days I need to just be alone and cry about it. It is the most frustrating thing I have to deal with. Little things make it difficult. For instance, saying my name is the hardest. I hate it. I feel stupid. No one understands what it is like for us and pretending that you do understand is annoying. I would love to be able to order a pizza, meet other people, go to a doctor appointment without feeling nervous.
I use to be a HUGE fan of the Jonas Brothers. I'm over my obsession but one of their songs comes to mind whenever I am having a hard day, like today. "You don't know what you got till it is gone. You don't know what its like to feel so low. And every time you smile, you laugh, you glow, you don't even know. All this time gone by, still no reason why. A little bit longer and I'll be fine. Waiting on a cure but none of them are sure. A little bit longer and I'll be fine." Although Nick Jonas is talking about his diabetes, this song is totally relevant when it comes to my stuttering. "So I'll wait till Kingdom come. All the highs and lows are gone. A little bit longer and I'll be fine." I always listen to this song when it is just one of those days that I need to cry about it.
To those who stutter: My brothers and sisters! Be confident, be strong, be proud. You aren't alone. We all have those rough days but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We are a family. Lean on us.
To those who know and love a person who stutters: Be patient and be proud of the journey that your friend, family member, or loved one has overcome. I can say first hand, it has been a tough one. Love them for who they are and realize that they may have accepted it but it still hurts when people make comments. Some days they may just need a hug and for you to listen to them. That's all you can do. Listen.
