I became non-verbal a few months ago. It’s extremely alienating, like I thought conversation was difficult before but now it’s just assumed to be frustrating. It’s dramatically altered my employability, I don’t enjoy spending time with my friends anymore, and people on the street just assume I’m being rude to them. Even people who know can be difficult too - I had a fight with my wife about it this morning. It certainly hasn’t been good for my social anxiety.

You do you. But as someone who can’t speak: if I could speak I wouldn’t consider this for a second.