"They comfort the
melancholy one by first showing him that his case is not strange or different,
that his character defects are probably not more numerous or worse than those of
anyone else in A.A. This the sponsor promptly proves by talking freely and
easily, and without exhibitionism, about his own defects, past and present. This
calm, yet realistic, stocktaking is immensely reassuring. The sponsor probably
points out that the newcomer has some assets which can be noted along with his
liabilities. This tends to clear away morbidity and encourage balance. As soon
as he begins to be more objective, the newcomer can fearlessly, rather than
fearfully, look at his own defects."
1952, AAWS, Inc.; Printed
2005
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, pg.
46