Couple's Chat

[JenMac]

Hi everyone!
Been thinking about this for a while.
As there are a few couples on here in various stages of recovery, I was wondering if anyone would be interested in participating in a 'couple's chat'? Following the lead of the men's chat on Monday, we could set a weekly time and welcome any and all couples to take part.
I personally think it would be awesome to create this opportunity.
What do the rest of you think?

Jenn

[waterlily327]

That is a really great idea Jenn! Rockin likes the idea too, so we would be in. As for times, my work schedule rotates all the time, and I work 12 hour shifts, so whatever day people choose will be fine (I might just not make it some weeks). Anything around 8PM Eastern time would work best for me when I am working days, but again, that rotates too, so whatever works best for others!

Great idea! I am excited for this!

[Devastated2]

JennI think it's a great idea! I would definitely be interested.

[Hopeful]

The Hopefuls are in!! Sounds great!

[healme]

WF and Healme will join....
Thanks Jenn

[stillinlove]

Hi, BigEyes and I (stillinlove) will join you, also. Hope it works out.

[JenMac]

Hi guys!
Great to see responses! Have been thinking more about the couples chat and have come up with a few thoughts/ideas.
-Due to my involvement with Alanon, I was wondering if it would work better to have the chat run a little like one of those meetings. Meaning everyone would get a chance to share and speak, but done in a somewhat controlled manner. That would hopefully make it a little more manageable and easier to follow.
-If we were able to develop a list of suitable topics to choose from, the chair of the meeting would then introduce the topic and share as a couple around that topic. The meeting would then continue with each couple taking turns to share or pass, after which the meeting could be opened up a little more if time allowed.
-I was also thinking about the members here who are in a relationship, but their partner may not be a member of TTF. I was thinking that this may be the ideal time for that couple to also sit in on this chat. They could choose to share or listen, whichever they felt comfortable with. It may actually be a good starting point for those reluctant to join the site. I would not want to exclude anyone who would be interested in sitting in!
-Also I am thinking Wednesday night 8:00 EST. How does that work for everyone?

Thanks guys! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Jenn

ps. If you have any topics that you think would work, let's start making a list.

[healme]

Wednesday at 8 p.m. Sounds great!

[stillinlove]

Jenn
Wed and time is good for us (BigEyes and Stillinlove). We're mountaintime so 6PM is perfect.

I like the idea of how you would like the meeting to go. Is there a different chair each time and that couple does the first share, or is there a chair and a couple
volunteers and the chair has them be the first speakers.
I've been to Alanon mainly in NY so I don't know how other places do it.

I'll need direction on how to work the chat. I'm used to skype or phone for tele-meetings.
Looking forward to this. It's a wonderful way to be connected with each other for each of us to better understand the thinking of PA/SO
and that we are committed to working on our relationships.

Thanks

[JenMac]

Jenn
Wed and time is good for us (BigEyes and Stillinlove). We're mountaintime so 6PM is perfect.

I like the idea of how you would like the meeting to go. Is there a different chair each time and that couple does the first share, or is there a chair and a couple
volunteers and the chair has them be the first speakers.
I've been to Alanon mainly in NY so I don't know how other places do it.

I'll need direction on how to work the chat. I'm used to skype or phone for tele-meetings.
Looking forward to this. It's a wonderful way to be connected with each other for each of us to better understand the thinking of PA/SO
and that we are committed to working on our relationships.

Thanks

Hi Still!
I was thinking of one couple chairing and opening the sharing dialogue, but I am open to any suggestions from others as we go along. I think rotating couples to chair the meeting would work well, as that is what happens in Alanon meetings. That way no one couple is responsible for the 'work' of keeping the chat going week after week. Of course there may be some who aren't able to chair for one reason or another, and that is okay too. It would be purely voluntary. Perhaps we could have a sign up sheet, or calendar to enable us to be prepared. I am open to any and all suggestions. I would love to see this be a group effort. It would be a positive way to bring the community together.
Mac and I will attempt to get it going this week. I am sure there will be growing pains as we figure it all out. We can monitor it and change as we move along.
Looking forward to Wednesday...looking for a topic...

Jenn


ps. As for chat. It is located in a grey strip along the bottom of your computer window. It says chatrooms. When you click there, you will see a general discussion room. Click it and you will find us in there. It is better to also click the save button when you sign in to TTF. That will keep your browsing session open longer, so you don't time out as often. From what I understand the chat feature is separate from the site and so after a certain amount of not using the site you will time out, which may kick you out of the chat. At that time you will either need to relog in to the site or refresh your page and come back into the chat. Irritating at times! But happens to us all.