People think about me a LOT less than I fear/hope. Most are very busy thinking about all of their own nonsense.
Whatever your reasons for wanting to go, I've certainly never regretted attending a meeting. I like watching people who've figured out some of the nonsense with which I'm still struggling. It's informative. It sounds like you feel this way about your friend in recovery. Good! Go!
For me AA and SR were part of the recipe to become someone I want to be. Someone who inspires my friends to their own recovery. You can be like your recovering friend, too, FF. It's not too far away.
Thinking of you today.
-TC