Whats “Crosstalk” Got to Do with Sobriety Anyway?
Like an odd apple the term “crosstalk” keeps bobbing up where A.A.s come together. What is it? Why do concerned, sometimes confused groups keep asking the General Service Office for clarification about it? And above all, what does it have to do with our primary purpose”to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety?” Says past Chicago delegate (Panel 53, 2003-04) Don B: “When I came to A.A. in 1981, I joined a group led by an oldtimer who was nearly 20 years sober at the time. There were two basic ‘guidelines’only we called them rules: (1) You cannot interrupt the guy who is interrupting. (2) If you look up and you are the only one left, lock the door when you leave. You talked too long. Back then, he recalls, “Interruptions were frequent and sometimes contentious. More than one time I thought for sure we’d have fisticuffs. But, no, things would invariably simmer down, and the one getting scolded would say something like, ‘I guess youre right. I do need more meetings.’ ” I
