Hey Everyone! Thank you so much for everyone's great advice about how to support my ABF when he returns from rehab. It has help me mentally prepare to everything and to support him the best I can. I am planning to go to my first face to face al-anon meeting with my Future MIL. I am a little nervous about what to expect. I know each meeting is different, but can anyone give me an idea of what to expect? I am not much of a talker and just want to go and listen at first. Will I feel obligated to talk or share at the meetings? I am such an emotional person, I don't want to be a blubbering mess. Thanks so much for all your help and support. This community has been such a blessing for me!
Jill said
Aug 21, 2017
NC Jo, You remind me of my first few meetings. I was the blubbering mess. It was the best decision I ever ever made. Don't worry about what anyone will think. We do not judge.
It is a safe place. I found peace and hope. After these many years, I still feel the same way.
I didn't speak for the first few meetings. That was OK. Nobody calls on us as they did in school. We indicate when we want to speak. I participate fully even at those meetings when I do not speak. I get so much.
I encourage you to go with an open mind. You'll thank yourself.
WestMan said
Aug 21, 2017
Hi NC Jo. There's no obligation to talk. Do what you're comfortable with. Check out multiple meetings if you can because there are definitely some you will like more than others. Congratulations on you decision to take these first steps.
Iamhere said
Aug 21, 2017
Congrats. on getting ready to go to your first meeting! I too recall being a bit nervous about going. I also found peace and hope and did not feel any pressure to do anything I was not comfortable with - talking vs. not talking....I was asked to go with an open mind and to look for the similarities instead of the differences in other's shares.
I did feel as if I could actively listen without being judged. Best to you and your MIL - let us know how it goes!
hotrod said
Aug 21, 2017
Hi NC This web site provides a detailed outline that is helpful: SUGGESTED AL-ANON MEETING FORMAT
Remember it is not necessary to speak at the meeting
DavidG said
Aug 23, 2017
Hi ma'am,
I recall my first meeting, even more than my first day in school... even today i remember to take baby steps... and hold onto the idea- one day at a time- even one moment at a time... we have all sat inside the rooms... including right here! We have all bin there, done that...
...welcome into the world-wide family of Alanon. ... ... ...
Hey Everyone! Thank you so much for everyone's great advice about how to support my ABF when he returns from rehab. It has help me mentally prepare to everything and to support him the best I can. I am planning to go to my first face to face al-anon meeting with my Future MIL. I am a little nervous about what to expect. I know each meeting is different, but can anyone give me an idea of what to expect? I am not much of a talker and just want to go and listen at first. Will I feel obligated to talk or share at the meetings? I am such an emotional person, I don't want to be a blubbering mess. Thanks so much for all your help and support. This community has been such a blessing for me!
It is a safe place. I found peace and hope. After these many years, I still feel the same way.
I didn't speak for the first few meetings. That was OK. Nobody calls on us as they did in school. We indicate when we want to speak. I participate fully even at those meetings when I do not speak. I get so much.
I encourage you to go with an open mind. You'll thank yourself.
I did feel as if I could actively listen without being judged. Best to you and your MIL - let us know how it goes!
Hi NC This web site provides a detailed outline that is helpful: SUGGESTED AL-ANON MEETING FORMAT
Remember it is not necessary to speak at the meeting
Hi ma'am,
I recall my first meeting, even more than my first day in school... even today i remember to take baby steps... and hold onto the idea- one day at a time- even one moment at a time... we have all sat inside the rooms... including right here! We have all bin there, done that...
...welcome into the world-wide family of Alanon.
... 
... 
...