I was in an AA group with a T I had for my Intensive Outpatient Program. I didn't really intend it. The mtg was a just a few blocks from where I live. After only attending a couple of times, I got roped to the mtg because I was volunteered for the year long coffee commitment. I had to talk to the old T to get supplies. She later became my partner's T which ramped up the awkward factor. There were times when I could hardly say hello to her because I felt like I was somehow intruding on her private life.

We never discussed it outright. I kinda thought she would, but she didn't. It was a speaker meeting, so I got to hear her AA story when she was the main speaker. They record the main speaker, and I just could not resist picking up a CD for my partner to listen to. Before she started speaking, she said she was really nervous and mentioned that there were many women at the mtg that she knew well on all kinds of levels, so I might not have been the only former patient there. The meeting moved across town; my commitment ended, and I quit going with some relief. I think it was only possible because she was a short-term former T, but that was plenty strange enough. It was the only straight mtg I attended regularly, so I know I got something out of the acceptance I found there, but it was just not worth the awkwardness once I didn't have a commitment.

The feeling of disorientation earthmama talked about lessened, but it didn't go away. I wanted to tell her that that was NOT where she belonged, but, of course, by AA tradition you're a member if you say you are, so none of that.