“Al‑Anon saved my life.”
I was in and out of Al‑Anon meetings for years. I rarely ever saw other men there, which was difficult. But for one hour I knew I felt safe and comfortable. It took a while before I finally put it together. When I kept coming to Al‑Anon meetings on a regular basis, I was healing and making positive changes in my life and my children’s lives. I learned to open my ears and shut my mouth. I soon found meetings that included more men as well. I found support inside and outside of the Al‑Anon rooms. Eventually, I learned to share my insights too. Now, I even attend all-male meetings occasionally. Al‑Anon saved my life. Today I make a point of reaching out to male newcomers and telling them to “keep coming back.” I want all newcomers to know that men and women alike are here to support them.
Dov L., Florida
I really like this post, thank you. I was recently at a Women’s Meeting and a man joined, the women all told him to get out and he was in the wrong meeting. It felt completely opposite of what I’ve learned and experienced in Al-Anon. I left the meeting as well, because I’ve learned in Al-Anon to take care of myself. It is my hope that in the future ALL groups will understand that no one is excluded.
I have been coming to meetings for 8 months. Yes – There are usually fewer men than women in the rooms. I actually found this beneficial but for one thing, finding a sponsor. The emotional bond established during sponsorship is a little tricky – Especially when your wife is your qualifier. To build a bond with another woman is not always healthy for the relationship you are trying to work on by using the program. We are in an emotionally vulnerable state when we begin this program and also every time we share our feelings, to confide in another woman… Read more »