DontRemember

So, I've been on the other side of town from my normal meeting. I was trying out a few meetings 'over there'(thinking of moving)..Anyways.. This old guy today,after I spoke, starts ranting.. I mean anger in his voice! There was a new guy(day1) there and I could tell it made him feel very unwelcomed. When I first went to this meeting all I felt was love...Today not so much. I understand "life" happens and people handle it in various fashions but, to me the guy was WAY out of line! I'm new so, I kept my cool and will continue to go but, is this normal?

Maudcat

My experience in AA was that there were all kinds of people there, with but one thing in common. Sometimes the meetings were great. Some days I wondered why I wasted my time. That's just the nature of it, I think.

MIRecovery

AA has no shortage of wackos and no shortage of the finest people you will ever meet. I have tried a lot of meetings and have seen more than my share of lose cannons. Under no circumstances would I base any opinions good or bad on one meeting.

DontRemember

Thanks,guys! I just chalked it up to him having a bad day. He's generally a nice enough guy. I know I have my bad days,as does everyone. I'll be going back in the morning!

Austin4Wyo

AA is a group of humans, which means we have human flaws beyond the common problem of alcoholic drinking. I can dry out and work the program, but I'm still anything but perfect. I suspect other AA members are the same.

Glad to hear you kept your perspective. If in doubt, I can always try to take action to be encouraging to someone myself AFTER the meeting if I think it's necessary. One angry/upset/unconstructive share isn't representative of the whole, and I can show that through my own behaviors.

Dave42001

I've seen a lot of crazy stuff too! More good than bad!! I always say those meetings test my tolerance!!

So glad you're going back, good stuff!! Wishing you the best!!

Ken33xx

Exactly.

Fortunately over the years I've only run across a handful of members that were so hot tempered they need to be completely avoided.

aasharon90

I had to learn to take what I need from
these meetings and leave the rest.

Yes, we do experience lots of sick behaviors
inside meetings as well as out and I'm no exception
cause I can have sick burst outs too, but not in public.

Some or more sicker than others as I
have seen over the yrs, so I remind myself
to not take anything personal and if
someone is having a bad day and tries
to unleash their animal on me or others,
then just give it back to them. It belongs
to them and not me and move on for
me, cause I'm learning how to remain
sober.

There was always some little bit or a
whole lot of some important information
or lesson to take home with me from a
a meeting to reflect on for the rest of the
day.

Just to know that I'm just one of many
sick souls seeking help to learn to live
one more day to achieve health, happiness
and honesty in my own life.

What a remarkable journey we live
in recovery..!!!

mfanch

I personally don't take what I need and leave the rest. What if my HP was talking through "the rest"? When I experience a meeting like OP described, I think two things: how can I contribute and how can I do it differently than the person ranting? The person is sick/hurting/etc and many of us don't have the eloquence to say "I'm angry" and just burst out ranting, etc.

Also, I'm not there to manage other people's feelings, but I always talk to the newcomer after the meeting. Newcomers (as I remember) have a lot to learn also about principles before personalities.

I would probably tell both: KEEP COMIN BACK! :-)

Centered3

Was he sharing the message in a firm way that appeared like anger, or was he ranting in anger about drama?

There's a big difference. One is coming from an alcoholic who is now well, sharing the message loudly in order to reach the newcomer, and one is coming from an alcoholic who is still sick and suffering.

No one said every speaker at AA is going to make you feel comfortable.

I was taught to listen to the first type of speaker. And pray for the second type of speaker.

tomsteve

I like what centered had to say.

I remember after a meeting someone comin up to me and sayin,"boy,________ is pretty dammed mad today."
I replied,"sounded to me like he was just using depth and weight to the message. "

CAPTAINZING2000

If you go to a meeting and hate everyone
You need to go to more meetings
If you go to a meeting and you like everyone ther
You need to go to more meetings

I have found that I will find some people at every meeting I can relate to on a personal level.
Someone at every meeting likes sports, concerts, camping etc.

gleefan

Great comments! I know the behaviors that challenge me teach me as much about tolerance, acceptance and love as those people who share AA's message with grace.

january161992

plenty of hip slick and cool aa cheerleaders

ive been one of 'em

the people who help me the most are those who share their honest experiences

both good and bad

SoberCAH

I couldn't agree more.

Some people you would be happy to have as a sponsor and some people are seriously mentally ill (even to the point of having potentially dangerous character disorders).

But I go to get better and accept the fact that some truly are sicker than others.

I try to help some people who are very down (or very sick) if they want help.

CousinA

One of those whackos may be my sponsor some day. Also, some of the finest people I've ever met have been what we call up here, batshi... Just sayin

Third Tradition & Rule 62 always.


-allan

SoberCAH

I agree, Cousin.

I am extremely embarrassed by many of the ridiculous things I shared in meetings when I first got out of treatment.

And from time to time thereafter.