Sometimes, we register surprise, shock, and anger when people find fault with A.A. We are apt to be disturbed to such an extent that we cannot benefit by constructive criticism.
This sort of resentment makes no friends and achieves no constructive purpose. Certainly, this is an area in which we can improve.
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It is evident that the harmony, security, and future effectiveness of A.A. will depend largely upon our maintenance of a thoroughly nonaggressive and pacific attitude in all our public relations. This is an exciting assignment, because in our drinking days we were prone to anger, hostility, rebellion, and aggression. And, even though we are now sober, the old patterns of behavior are to a degree still with us, always threatening to explode on any good excuse.
But we now know this, and therefore I feel confident that in the conduct of our public affairs we shall always find the grace to exert restraint.
Great topic....I get so upset when I try and talk with a friend about my alcoholism, or they ask, only to be met with their opinion on how AA is overdramatized, or that all I need to do is stay busy and then I wont drink, etc...It's like, they think I've been duped into something, into believing I'm sick when I'm not. LOL. What an insult!! If only they knew how long and hard a road its been just to convince myself I had a serious problem..and they think its a fluke?? I try and explain but they just DON'T get it. I must smile and know it isn't in their interest to understand, and all that matters are the facts. And, honestly, those friends/people who insist on talking me out of my resolutions are probably the worst people to maintain friendships with in sobriety. Anyways, I find this problem cropping up quite often. Thanks for posting!
