I went to an open AA meeting yesterday as there are very few Al-anon meetings around here. I found it very helpful but I'm not sure of the rules...am I meant to just listen or am I allowed to share?
I've been to a fair few AA meetings in the last few years, first with axbf until he decided he hated them and then I started going by myself but I've never asked what the etiquette is.
What I found most helpful was most sharers were talking about how they came to AA, how they were against it at first but now they wouldn't be without it. They confirmed my belief that the A has to do it for themselves not for someone else...because one bloke was saying he made the mistake of first going for his wife...which is what my axbf has always said to me...I will go if you come with me, I will go if you come back etc etc etc. I now know I'm right in standing my ground.