Forgive and Move On

Forgive and Move On

Can I?

Should I give you the benefit of the doubt?
You don’t mean to look away, to look confused or impatient with me, right?

You didn’t mean any harm when you laughed and asked me if I forgot my name, right? Of course, I know my name. Why would you ask that? Really?

You didn’t mean any harm when you mimicked me, like asking “ta-ta-ta-talk much?” when I said something and it came out stuttered?

I know it’s my job to educate you on something you may not know much about, and to explain what stuttering is so you don’t freak out or react in some dumb way. I should tell you, hey, I’m OK with it. To give you a chance to ask questions if you want. I don’t mind questions.
I’d rather you ask than for you to laugh or ignore me.

Then it puts us both at ease and stuttering becomes a non-issue. Especially for me, so that I don’t start to obsess about what you might think of me when you hear me stutter for the first time.

There’s nothing wrong with me. I am as intellectually and emotionally sound as you are.

To be honest, sometimes I just don’t feel like explaining. I want to just talk my way, with my voice, and have you listen to what I say, just like you probably do for everybody else.

It hurts when I get made fun of – I can no longer pretend it doesn’t bother me.

I am an effective communicator, stuttering and all.

So, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt, and forgive you and move on!

Can we?