Ran into an old coworker at a meeting

[u/Janedont1990]

I was called on to share at the meeting this morning. After the meeting, a guy came up to me and said, “Jane!! I’m so happy to see you here!!”, and gave me a huge hug. I did not know who this person was, and assumed it was someone I knew or met while blackout drunk. When we got outside, it clicked. It was someone I had worked with at a restaurant almost 10 years ago. He lost a ton of weight and has a mustache now. It was so great, because I know we both belonged in the rooms a long time ago, and here we both were. At a 7 a.m. meeting, both with our sponsors, both not hungover and in good spirits. Grateful to be sober today. IWNDWYT!

[u/mtho176]

It’s so cool to catch up with old drinking friends who are now also in the sober club. Always makes me feel invigorated and hopeful. IWNDWYT!

[u/Nymeria2018 → u/mtho176]

Look at you, nearing a full year! What a way to ring in the Nee Year!!

[u/48Michael]

lol I once ran into a bartender at my old local at one meeting. It was pretty amusing. He asked what I was doing here and I just said “motherfucker you put me here!” We had a good laugh and we’re both kicking along very well in sobriety.

[u/ElderberryMaster4694]

Walked into a meeting less than a week in and right into a guy I had a bit of a beef with. He gave me a hug and congratulations! Both still sober and all is good with us now.

[u/ebobbumman]

I've had something similar happen twice, but they weren't coworkers, they actually were people I'd met while blacked out.

[u/Jimmy-the-Knuckle]

My worst nightmare tbh 😂

[u/suilbup → u/Jimmy-the-Knuckle]

Eh, if they’re there you can assume it’s for the same reason you are. :)

[u/Owlhooo → u/suilbup]

I literally had this conversation with an old classmate when I ran into him at an AA meeting

Him: what are you doing here? Me: I assume the same thing you are

We both just laughed and laughed. I was terrified to run into someone I knew but it turned out to be a funny and bonding experience.

[u/full_bl33d]

Nice. I was soo worried early on about seeing someone I know and what they might think about me that I hadn’t really considered that I’ve given everyone who knew me as a drinker more than enough material to paint a very interesting picture. I’ve yet to hear someone shit on another person for learning how to take better care of themselves. I’ve seen a few folks from the neighborhood and I like seeing them at the park or the playground as well.

The anonymity thing is serious but it can also be really funny. I once ran into an old timer from aa at the grocery store and he and I were chatting for a bit when my wife came around from the other aisle. this guy froze and I could see his wheels turning. Before I could introduce him, he told my wife we knew each other from yoga and gave me a wink like he handled it for me. We joke about that all the time. I appreciate it but I don’t mind seeing folks I know or having a chat out in the wild. 7am tho, wow. You guys are good

[u/fradulentsympathy]

Is it normal to be called on to share? I want to visit a meeting but avoid them for this exact reason, I have zero desire to share. I just want camaraderie.

[u/Janedont1990 → u/fradulentsympathy]

You can just say you don’t want to share

[u/fradulentsympathy → u/Janedont1990]

I have bad social anxiety (part of why I drink). I honestly don’t even want to say that. Is this normal to expect people to speak?

[u/FlowerOfLife]

This is what sobriety is all about. Congrats!

[u/ThePinkyHook]

Every person I’ve run into at AA has said they were someone else, which was really confusing. I guess they’re ashamed.