Anonymous

[ChrisK]

Anonymous

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Here lately, I've encountered some individuals that have broken my anonymity.
For the most part, I don't care. It has made me a little upset that people are unaware of what they're doing. I never talk about AA unless, it's to someone in the program.

I don't wish everyone to know, I'm in AA unless I tell them. Most of my family know I go to AA. There are some people that aren't close friends that have been told I was in AA. This last occurance wasfrom a lady I worked with. She's long since retired and was a charter member of AA around here. I was disappointed that she made mention to a family member I was going to AA especially since he was at this salon getting his hair cut.

I live in a rural area, everyone knows everyone.

I'll let this blow by but, it still makes me want to take these people aside and ask them if, they're aware of what the reminder of anonymity means

Has this been a problem for any one else??

[caressa]

I ran into a situation in Al-Anon. A woman broke an Al-Anon Tradition by breaking my Anonymity as a member of AA. I belong to both, I qualify for them all.

What I said to her was, "My anonymity is mine to break not yours." I do not care much one way or the other although there have been times it seemed to be more of an embarrassment to the people around me when I was in public. So many people don't know about this disease, and as my bridge partner said to me about five years ago, "I didn't know alcoholics could recover." He figured people were doomed to the trench coat and park benches and didn't know there was hope and a chance at a new life.

I often give my last name because it is difficult to find JoAnne K. in the telephone book if they need help.

[caressa]

Dear Chris,

Thought of you yesterday when I was on the bus. A lady I have known for several years started talking to me in a loud voice (her voice is loud and deep) and I am sure people heard her all the way to the back of the bus.

She ask me if I had seen this person, that person and what group did I belong now. She not only broke my anonymity but that of several others although she did only use our first names. I was the only only present and accounted for. It was a good thing that I don't mind people knowing that I am in recovery. This woman is mentally challenged in some ways yet has a kind and caring heart. She was coming from a good place and that was the most important thing.

[preciouschihua]

I just had a lady do that to me in a nother type of meeting, bringing out my AA.
I was shocked and not prepared for her to do that in
a non related meeting. I grinned and beared it
and after the meeting folks that did not know me
congradulated me, so my imberassment lessened.
I did not appreciate her doing that to me though.
If I want others to know and feel free to share
that is my business.
Suz

[Misty]

Dear Chris----My sponsor in the early days told a situation that cost her thousands and a home. Her husband and herself were applying for a loan for a home at a bank and were with a loan officer filling out the papers. A newcomer that my former sponsor was helping saw her in the bank and shouted across
the room "See ya at the AA meeting
tonite!" Well needless to say the
loan officer suddenly became way too busy to talk to them and they were refused the home loan. It was a tragic situation. The word anonymous is there for a reason!!!!
Just had to share this----Mistyeve