Have you ever been sitting in an Al‑Anon meeting and, after a member shares, you hear someone respond with, “Glad you are here”? Maybe on your way out, you pass someone chatting with a newcomer and hear them say, “Glad you are here.” On my first listen, I thought it was a strange response. And it’s usually delivered in a happy, upbeat tone, possibly with a smile.
“Glad you are here!” What? Why? Who says such a thing in a situation like this? My misery and desperation are what got me to the room, so why would anyone be glad that I am here? The last thing a newcomer may be is happy to be in an Al‑Anon meeting.
However, these four important words carry a powerful message of experience, strength, and hope. To me, they convey the message that “I’ve been where you are,” showing the newcomer that through the fellowship of Al‑Anon, they, too, will find the strength I have found. Most importantly, this message offers the hope that, with each passing day, life can get better.
By Tracy B.,
The Forum, December 2025
Feel free to reprint this article on your service arm website or newsletter, along with this credit line: Reprinted with permission of The Forum, Al‑Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA.