Welcome!!! I think it's pretty common that we isolate ourselves in our own little worlds and carry shame over being, or being in a relationship with, an alcoholic. It's an incredibly freeing feeling to realize that you're not alone -- even though the sadness you feel over how many people suffer like you've suffered is overwhelming some days.
Like lc said -- there are different endings. I come from two generations of teetotallers, who didn't touch a drop because they had seen alcohol ruin the generation before them. It's not a new problem, but we're blessed with having new ways of connecting with people like us.
And don't worry about crying at Al-Anon meetings. That's what the tissues are for. For a while there, I felt like I should go to Costco or Sam's Club and buy tissues in bulk, because I used a
lot of them.
I'm glad you went. It's a burden off your shoulders to be surrounded by people who are just like you.
