zoop wrote:I am interested in attending a meeting to see what it is all about. Are all meetings the same or are their different kinds. Are they crowded or just a few people, do they all cost donations or are some free or not free? Can anyone give me a quick walk through of what to expect? Also are people cool with new faces just randomly showing up? Thanks in advance. I am wanting to go but a little nervous on what I would be getting into.
Meetings are different, some small, some large. No contribution/donation is required, what goes in the 'can' (one place I go it's actually a watermelon knit-basket) pays for coffee, rent and literature...
No problem when new faces show up, people are welcoming and informative.
No one expects last names, and if it makes you feel better, use a pseudonym ;') One woman I know used her sister's name when she first came in, because although she wasn't sure she was an alcoholic, she was SURE her sister was!
A suggestion: If you're feeling uncomfortable, try closing your eyes when listening to someone; Listen to the words without any visual stimuli. I found that to help with some of my anxieties...
Someone told me once that if I ever felt uncomfortable at a meeting, I should think of it like a Buffet and not to serve myself things that upset my stomach.