[ie]

I am a native english speaker (born/raised in California) and also very self conscious about the way I sound for different reasons. I suspect many of us have this kind of internal battle, even if it seems relatively insignificant to other people.

FWIW, I think your accent is interesting and enjoyable to hear.

[antirez]

Thanks :-) I understand what you mean I think, since speaking Italian I've also a strong Sicilian accent... but I tried hard to preserve it, after all it's my origin.

[mandeepj]

+1 for not forgetting your roots. I am also in a battle with my accent. Hopefully, one day, very soon, I will win it.