Humiliating Moment

[jordanmk0]

Today, I was returning two games that I bought from a store known as EB Games. All was well until I was asked for my name. Again, this reflects upon my other thread discussing if anyone else has trouble saying their own name.

I sort of wished that it was a silent block, but that didn't happen. I started with an "uh" and got louder and coughed to make it seem that I was sick and had trouble speaking. People were staring at me and I couldn't relax my throat so I just forced it out. It was one of the most embarassing moments of my life.

I just felt like sharing this with people who know how I feel, so no need to reply to this. Thanks for reading. =)

[bwelling]

jordanmk0 - nice thread. I wonder how many others have had similar experiences.

I've often wanted to act like I was a mute - never did.
However, during a group (50 other guys) job interview just out of high school, I pointed to my name on a high school diploma because I couldn't say it. Totally demeaning.
bw

[Imperfection]

I'm so sorry about that, jordanmk0. It really sucks when that happens. D=

In my case, this is why right now, since I can't drive on my own, my mom says my name for me or just uses her. But I'm not sure if she knows, she may just be doing it because she's the parent. I've never told her that I like her doing it 'cause I'd stutter so bad on my name.

The only thing as worse as the name thing for me is just reading text. I had to get up in front of my first block yesterday morning and when I read my part, I had to basically summarize the points because I knew I'd lock on the text written there already. But I still blocked on such a simple word as "hit," and some freshmen guys laughed at me (I'm a sophomore girl). It was humiliating and I just wanted to punch them, but I restrained myself.

[jak]

Thats like when you go to buy something and they ask for your zip code at the register and thers like 10 people behind you ! I just say 'no':eek:

[JDRow]

Sorry, man. It sucks when things like that happen.

[Adrian]

Today, I was returning two games that I bought from a store known as EB Games. All was well until I was asked for my name. Again, this reflects upon my other thread discussing if anyone else has trouble saying their own name.

I sort of wished that it was a silent block, but that didn't happen. I started with an "uh" and got louder and coughed to make it seem that I was sick and had trouble speaking. People were staring at me and I couldn't relax my throat so I just forced it out. It was one of the most embarassing moments of my life.

I just felt like sharing this with people who know how I feel, so no need to reply to this. Thanks for reading. =)

Been there many times. People may stare while not understanding what is happening, but in reality they are too wrapped up in thier own lives to really care. My only advice is to not dwell on it.

[Nicholas]

Unless someone from school or if a girl is asking, I usually respond with a shrug and tell them I don't know. I love their reactions.

[jordanmk0]

I'm so sorry about that, jordanmk0. It really sucks when that happens. D=

In my case, this is why right now, since I can't drive on my own, my mom says my name for me or just uses her. But I'm not sure if she knows, she may just be doing it because she's the parent. I've never told her that I like her doing it 'cause I'd stutter so bad on my name.

The only thing as worse as the name thing for me is just reading text. I had to get up in front of my first block yesterday morning and when I read my part, I had to basically summarize the points because I knew I'd lock on the text written there already. But I still blocked on such a simple word as "hit," and some freshmen guys laughed at me (I'm a sophomore girl). It was humiliating and I just wanted to punch them, but I restrained myself.

I don't live in the US, but sophomore is grade 10, right? Anyways, I can understand how you feel. Just curious, but do any teachers know about your stutter? Because one of mine does and she doesn't pick me to answer questions because of it. =)

And I thank everyone for their comfort. I think about it now and say to myself, "You know, those people that were there near me, do any of them even look back to that point?". =)

[nuno1976]

Today, I was returning two games that I bought from a store known as EB Games. All was well until I was asked for my name. Again, this reflects upon my other thread discussing if anyone else has trouble saying their own name.

I sort of wished that it was a silent block, but that didn't happen. I started with an "uh" and got louder and coughed to make it seem that I was sick and had trouble speaking. People were staring at me and I couldn't relax my throat so I just forced it out. It was one of the most embarassing moments of my life.

I just felt like sharing this with people who know how I feel, so no need to reply to this. Thanks for reading. =)

jordanmk0, I know exactly how you feel because that exact situation happened to me lots of times. I dread situations where I have to present myself to others, particularly on the phone and in front of a group ( like when you have to get up, say your name, what you do, etc.). I usually stutter on my first name but sometimes I simply cannot say it so I move on to the last name.

Nowadays, I'm dealing better with these situations and they don't affect me as much, but there is always that nagging feeling of frustration and shame.

A few years ago, when I was at the peak of my stuttering, when I had to call someone whom I didn't know and introduce myself, I sometimes pretended I wasn't hearing the other person due to interference, to buy some time and cool myself down!

[Bill Hargis]

you are not alone ,we've all been there and can sympathize

[happy7117]

EB is a great store that I often by my games at. Actualy it's the only store I get my games at. I speak only when completely neccesary so the stutter thing doesn't come up.

If I was in a long line like you and had a question with others waiting behind me, I would have just waited untill the line simmered down.

[Imperfection]

I don't live in the US, but sophomore is grade 10, right? Anyways, I can understand how you feel. Just curious, but do any teachers know about your stutter? Because one of mine does and she doesn't pick me to answer questions because of it. =)

And I thank everyone for their comfort. I think about it now and say to myself, "You know, those people that were there near me, do any of them even look back to that point?". =)

Yes, it is. And freshmen equals grade 9, so what hurt the most was that I'm older than them. But, anywho, I talked to this former teacher of mine (my 9th grade Algebra teacher) and she gave me some good advice...which for some reason, I can't put into words right now. O__o

But all four of my teachers this semester know about my stutter because this former teacher of mine emailed them all about it...she's so nice. ^__^ I guess my first block teacher just doesn't care and, I mean, I do have to say it helps me to at least try and get up in front of the class and try out my techniques to lessen the stuttering.

Oh wait, I do remember now that whatever she said made me realize that they're just stupid, immature freshmen jocks. So they're dumb and I needn't waste my time over them. =] Gotta try and have a good attitude about it, right?

[202]

I was in a situation way worse than that.... it pains me even remembering that incident.... god damn stuttering. Why the hell do we stutter anyway?? Dammit I always think about that, and I'm always angry thinking about how stuttering ruined my life. I'm sure many of you think about it all the time, too.

[Imperfection]

I was in a situation way worse than that.... it pains me even remembering that incident.... god damn stuttering. Why the hell do we stutter anyway?? Dammit I always think about that, and I'm always angry thinking about how stuttering ruined my life. I'm sure many of you think about it all the time, too.

Yeah, I've thought the same thing a whole lot, 202. It sucks sometimes, since I feel trapped inside my own mind, like I want to say something, but I'm too scared I'll stutter and get made fun of for something I can't really stop. I can try to improve, but there's no magical "cure." And it seems some people are too immature to understand that.

All it takes is a simple search on Wikipedia, and you get a load of information on how stuttering is like an iceberg. Everyone sees the top, stuttering, but not what's underneath the water: tons of negative feelings associated with the problem. No one except another stutterer can ever understand what it's like to be under the water, seeing 3/4 of the iceberg. Fluent people only see 1/4 of the issue, and we as people who stutter, have to realize that. They can never get inside our head and we can't expect them to.

I've already mentioned my worst situation twice before here, but God...it's still in my mind like it could have been yesterday. I was literally shaking in my 8th grade math class, just trying to say my name (the b is the hardest part). I've even thought about using my middle name, Faith, instead of my first name a lot of times, but ya know what? I like my first name, although it is common. So unless I start liking Faith better than my first name, I ain't telling people to call me Faith. I'm not giving in to this stutter.

[happy7117]

Let's see. I am 29 now, and been stuttering since age 8.

I'm pretty much sick and fed up with it. It's bullshit that it just can't go away.

And yes, If I'm not supposed to feel sorry for myself because of the stutter, am I supposed to be gratefull I stutter?

No. That's stupid.

Who do I write to get a device?

I realy am sick of hearing this "a device won't cure you" crap. I've heard that too many times. And my anger is saying "I realy don't care if it cures me or not"

The point of a device is not to cure me, it's to offer me fluency to take me out of this anger I am in.

I got made fun of yet by another very nice waitress.

And no, I did not get mad at the waitress: it was a natural reaction of nervousness hearing me stutter.

I was mad at how much the stuttering was making an ass of me.

Let's face it: Stuttering makes others uncomfortable, and people will laugh if they are uncomfortable with something.

The only people who will not make fun of us or laugh is the people who have lived with us for such a long time: our parents, siblings, whoever.

I know for a fact our parents were extremely uncomfortable and nervous hearing us stutter, no doubt they told us to spit it out too.

No doubt those close to us get very uncomfortable hearing us stutter on and on, and they don't say anything because they are so used to hearing it it's like 2nd nature.

Deep down, those close to us would love to hear us not stutter. THEY do not enjoy hearing us stutter.

Yeah, I am pissed. But excuse my french because I am letting it out right here.

I advise anyone who is sick of their stuttering to just write a letter to anyone asking for a device.

Maybe with enough harrasing to the right people, they will finaly give in and offer us a device.

If anyone makes fun of you do not be mad at them, be mad at the fact the stuttering caused them to make fun of you.

The person making fun of you is uncomfortable, but what makes that person uncomfortable: the stutter.

After walking away from the teaser, get that stuttering anger out some how. Come to this board and vent it!

[eva]

Sorry to hear that jordan, i know how you feel..

i remember the last time i was introducing myself in a classroom full of students.. "my name is ---"... all the heads turn around to see whats the silence about, and i just cant say my name. i had to wait until i was able to say it while everybody staring at me in complete silence. after i managed to say my first name i gave up and decided they dont need to know my last name.

cute guy comes to talk to me at work and asks my name, i point my name sign on my chest and he has to read it from there. thats... you know the feeling.


maybe next time when i dont feel like stuttering, i ll reply i dont have a name, call me what ever you want.

[andyr78]

There are a few stores around here that ask different questions. The one always wants my zip code. Which begins and ends with a 4. That one never goes well. Sometimes I just give them the zip to where I work, it's a little easier. The other one always ask for my home phone number. I simply tell them I don't have a home phone. Often I will spell my last name instead of saying it. Nobody ever spells it right, and it is easier to spell out than to say it.

[bwelling]

There are a few stores around here that ask different questions. The one always wants my zip code. Which begins and ends with a 4. That one never goes well. Sometimes I just give them the zip to where I work, it's a little easier. The other one always ask for my home phone number. I simply tell them I don't have a home phone. Often I will spell my last name instead of saying it. Nobody ever spells it right, and it is easier to spell out than to say it.

andyr - I wonder if stutterers from Newton Falls, OH hate giving their zip (44444).

I wonder after I have similar encounters, why I felt so compelled to be truthful. Would I not stutter if I knew I was lying about my name or phone number?

bw

[andyr78]

andyr - I wonder if stutterers from Newton Falls, OH hate giving their zip (44444).

That may be enough to make me really want to relocate. If I had to say that zip code over and over again.

[jordanmk0]

Imperfection, you're right. A good attitude towards the future is of great importance in my opinion.

eva, I'm sorry to hear about your situation as well. You're lucky to have a sign with your name. =P We don't have those in high school, but I DO have a shirt with my name on it however. (Air Jordan) =P

[Brian F]

:o Today, I was returning two games that I bought from a store known as EB Games. All was well until I was asked for my name. Again, this reflects upon my other thread discussing if anyone else has trouble saying their own name.

I sort of wished that it was a silent block, but that didn't happen. I started with an "uh" and got louder and coughed to make it seem that I was sick and had trouble speaking. People were staring at me and I couldn't relax my throat so I just forced it out. It was one of the most embarassing moments of my life.

I just felt like sharing this with people who know how I feel, so no need to reply to this. Thanks for reading. =)

Not long ago,I was at Burger King and after trying to give my food order, I heard the empoyees behind the counter mocking my stutter.

I turned red, I was so humiliated. I suppose I could have complained to somebody but that meant more stuttering. I just wanted to leave.

I learned the hard way back in school not to get into a verbal argument when you stitter.

[Brian F]

:o Today, I was returning two games that I bought from a store known as EB Games. All was well until I was asked for my name. Again, this reflects upon my other thread discussing if anyone else has trouble saying their own name.

I sort of wished that it was a silent block, but that didn't happen. I started with an "uh" and got louder and coughed to make it seem that I was sick and had trouble speaking. People were staring at me and I couldn't relax my throat so I just forced it out. It was one of the most embarassing moments of my life.

I just felt like sharing this with people who know how I feel, so no need to reply to this. Thanks for reading. =)

Not long ago,I was at Burger King and after trying to give my food order, I heard the empoyees behind the counter mocking my stutter.

I turned red, I was so humiliated. I suppose I could have complained to somebody but that meant more stuttering. I just wanted to leave.

I learned the hard way back in school not to get into a verbal argument when you stitter.

[Bill Hargis]

brian f you should have complained to the owner, I have gotten employees fired. remember they can replace employees. They can't replace customers, I always complain in situation like that.

[thedanshow35]

ya whenever I go to a store (like apple) and they ask for zip code and i can't say anything or I know i'm gonna stutter then I just start speaking in japanese and they just assume I don't live in the U.S.

[Perad]

This happens to me from time to time. I just smile and tell them I have a stutter. They understand that I am not mentally retarded or whatever and usually say 'do you want a piece of paper.' I shake my head, compose myself and eventually say it.

I am a strong believer that the person with a stutter can make the situation worse just as much as the person they are talking to can. By letting the person know that I stutter more often than not the reply I get is calm and welcoming. This is apposed to pity, confusion and frustration if I don't.

[fifi]

Today, I was returning two games that I bought from a store known as EB Games. All was well until I was asked for my name. Again, this reflects upon my other thread discussing if anyone else has trouble saying their own name.

I sort of wished that it was a silent block, but that didn't happen. I started with an "uh" and got louder and coughed to make it seem that I was sick and had trouble speaking. People were staring at me and I couldn't relax my throat so I just forced it out. It was one of the most embarassing moments of my life.

I just felt like sharing this with people who know how I feel, so no need to reply to this. Thanks for reading. =)


I feel you 100% been their done that

[JCarver]

April 3, 2008

Fellow Stutterers,
Thank God for this site. A little information about me… I’m 41 and a life- long stutterer. I think that I am a pretty successful (Thank God) business owner. I own a couple different firms. Still, I am terrified to speak although my businesses require it of me. One of my businesses is a Insurance/Financial Planning firm, another a greeting card company while another I have authored a self-help book. I get so frustrated with myself as I wish fluency would, one day, be my friend. Regardless, I push on and you can too. I desire to be an inspiration/encouragement to those who desire it.

A couple ideas, I know those of us who stutter wish they could express themselves without the embarrassment of our speech. I found a way…my greeting card business…it’s awesome. You can try it for free at www.sendoutcards.com/10327 It’s a way for you to express your feelings in a card in a way that just won’t come out your mouth.

Another idea is to read my book. It clearly tells of my struggles and how I was able to deal with them.
http://www.lulu.com/content/2134271 This site is where you can get more information about my book.

Again, my role (here) is not to sell you anything but put tools in your hands to do something regardless of your struggle. You can overcome anything. Let me help!

John Carver
The Carver Group
15 E Main St #223
Westminster, MD 21157
JohnCarver@hughes.net – Email
410-905-8336 - Cell