The temptation is to become rather possessive of newcomers. Perhaps we try to give them advice about their affairs which we aren't really competent to give or ought not give at all. Then we are hurt and confused when the advice is rejected, or when it is accepted and brings still greater confusion.
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"You can't make a horse drink water if he still prefers beer or is too crazy to know what he does want. Set a pail of water beside him, tell him how good it is and why, and leave him alone.
"If people really want to get drunk, there is, so far as I know, no way of stopping this-- so leave them alone and let them get drunk. But don't exclude them from the water pail, either."
1. Twelve and Twelve, p. 111 2. Letter, 1942
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~~"It's hard to be hateful when you're grateful."~~
Joni, Just seen part of my life pass before me in your post. Forcing the water only turned me into a 'nag'. LOL It is very hard to leave that pail when one sees the self defeating, caos it is causing to a loved one. I have learned though. The pail (my example) sits silently while the heart prays for that first sip of sweetness to be tasted. Wanda
Wow, beautiful, Wanda. I too tried to forcefeed AA at one point. It just doesn't work, because all those other alcoholics out there are every bit as stubborn as I was.
Joni
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~~"It's hard to be hateful when you're grateful."~~
