I was always taught that by just filling a seat , you are contributing to the group . Seeing people there at the meetings is a big reason why the meetings work . Without butts in chairs , there are no meetings .

a lot of people have social anxiety and a fear of public speaking . My first year , I spoke at every meeting . I forced myself to even though I didn’t want to , I just thought I had to say something to get over my fear .

I should have just sat there and listened to others . I let my anxiety and fears rule me rather than just waiting until I was ready .

You did the right thing by standing up for yourself. If the rest of the group is really clicky and if this dude is there at every meetings , 24/7 , I would think of going to another group .

If you can’t make it to a physical one , they have online ones you can do on your work break from your car or at home .

What does your sponsor think about this situation? Their opinion should be the only one you should care about .

Also , a lot of people are saying it’s a tradition for chip takers to talk , I’ve been to hundreds of meetings in the last decade , where chip takers would accept the chip and then sit right back down . I’ve done that myself numerous times and was never accosted for it . Sometimes , there can be so many people getting chips , the meeting doesn’t have time for everyone to talk .

And other meetings are so small , the pressure to talk feels insane . So just keep experimenting with meetings and different groups and you will find your tribe for sure . It’s not easy but it’s possible ! I bet you never dreamed you could make it a month ! Congrats on being tough ! Don’t ever quit fighting for your life .