aa Spoken Here Community Group
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I went to my noon AA meeting today and it was a 12 X 12 study, with a guy leading the meeting who has over 20 years sobriety. He has been the usual secretary of this meeting for some time now.
Today, we were part way through the 4th tradition, and having discussion in between readings, as per the norm for our group, and someone said "I think we read this LAST Thursday" and a few other people agreed. He however, didn't have it marked...but, the group conscious said to go ahead and quickly finish reading. Well, this secretary guy talks A LOT (like 5-8 times in one 1 hour meeting) and ALWAYS has something to say about EVERYTHING and pontificates to the extreme (he NEVER talks less than 3 min at a shot and usually over 5) so, people tend to kind of "tune out" when he talks.
Well, the discussions got a bit lively (as per the norm again) and there was a bit of cross talk going on and all of a sudden, this guy yells "HEY!! I HAD SOMETHING TO SAY" and pontificated again for ever, and it was the same thing he said last week about it. He totally killed the jovial mood and a few people actually left the meeting. Funny thing was, part of the reading was "Don't take yourself too seriously"...Hmmm. lol
This guy has gotten into yelling matches with people before in meetings as well.
He and I have gone out to meals a few times with fellow AA'ers and I kind of feel as if we are friends, although I do get kind of a weird feeling about him and don't want to go alone with him. Part of me wants to talk to him about this...but I don't how or what to say, or if it's even my place.
I do know that I don't want to go to 12 X 12 meetings anymore as long as he is secretary.
HELP.
Today, we were part way through the 4th tradition, and having discussion in between readings, as per the norm for our group, and someone said "I think we read this LAST Thursday" and a few other people agreed. He however, didn't have it marked...but, the group conscious said to go ahead and quickly finish reading. Well, this secretary guy talks A LOT (like 5-8 times in one 1 hour meeting) and ALWAYS has something to say about EVERYTHING and pontificates to the extreme (he NEVER talks less than 3 min at a shot and usually over 5) so, people tend to kind of "tune out" when he talks.
Well, the discussions got a bit lively (as per the norm again) and there was a bit of cross talk going on and all of a sudden, this guy yells "HEY!! I HAD SOMETHING TO SAY" and pontificated again for ever, and it was the same thing he said last week about it. He totally killed the jovial mood and a few people actually left the meeting. Funny thing was, part of the reading was "Don't take yourself too seriously"...Hmmm. lol
This guy has gotten into yelling matches with people before in meetings as well.
He and I have gone out to meals a few times with fellow AA'ers and I kind of feel as if we are friends, although I do get kind of a weird feeling about him and don't want to go alone with him. Part of me wants to talk to him about this...but I don't how or what to say, or if it's even my place.
I do know that I don't want to go to 12 X 12 meetings anymore as long as he is secretary.
HELP.
You say you get a weird feeling around him? Listen to it - that's your intuition talking to you (the BB tells us about intuition).
With people like that, I tend to keep a healthy distance, while remaining friendly and courteous.
If you feel strong enough to share your concerns honestly with him, then I would check with your sponsor about what you are going to say first, and then talk to him. If you feel that you can't do that, perhaps ask a trusted long-time spiritually well AA member who goes to that meeting for their opinion.
It's difficult, but that's life!
P.S. I love the kitten in your avatar ... it is sooo cute!
Whew, Don, ya sure got me there!
I like the idea of stating "please keep your share short so that others may have a chance and try not to "double dip"". I may even bring it up as AA business at the start of the next meeting he is at...if I don't get the chance to talk to him 1st.
Thanks again everyone.
Anyway, he got a reputation for it and he ended up with the nickname "Johnny Two Shares" ... People would even greet him with, "Alright Johnny Two Shares? How are you today, mate?".
He was so embarrassed that now he's just plain "Johnny" (with only one share) :o)