Have you ever heard that from someone you have just disclosed to that you stutter? I have – several times over the last month or so. When someone says that, it seems like they are surprised that my stuttering does not sound like the stereotypical image they may have in their head.

A friend and I went to an event sponsored by a local radio station. I had the chance to meet one of the regular afternoon radio personalities. My friend mentioned to him that we both stutter. This guy immediately said, “You’re doing really well”. It seemed almost a compliment – like maybe it was acknowledgement that I was having a pretty good speech day.

Last week at a music performance, during intermission, I was waiting in line for the restroom. An older gentleman and I were chatting. I mentioned I had recently been to a jazz club in Texas. He asked me why I had been in Texas. I told him for a conference. He asked what type of conference. I told him a stuttering conference. He then proceeded to tell me that his daughter is a SLP and also works with people that stutter. He also remarked that I “do very well” when speaking.

One day last week I was on the phone and had a minor block with initiating small talk. I mentioned that I stutter, to ease my anxiety about the block, and immediately the person said, “well, you’re doing just fine. I barely notice it.”

Does this happen to you? I wonder if there is any special reason people use this phrase. Maybe it’s the only way they know to acknowledge stuttering, maybe it makes them feel better that they have used a positive phrase.