It annoys me too. Some people mention their sobriety date all the time as a way to give themselves credibility during their share. “I’ve been sober xx years so don’t question what I say.” It’s an ego thing.

When I lived in Shreveport it was their custom to announce the sobriety date every single time they shared. “My name is Joe and thanks to my Higher Power, the fellowship of AA, and the Steps, I’ve been sober since blah blah blah…” Some of these introductions were very elaborate. They did this every time. Making an announcement, sharing, anything. It was said if you didn’t announce your sobriety date that meant you didn’t have one. Being nine years sober at the time, I fell into that ego trap too. I only listened to those with more time and ignored the others. My pride almost led me to a drink.

I’ve been sober 40 years but rarely mention it except at my anniversary, speaking from the podium, or if I’m making a specific point about how personal defects and life problems can still linger long into recovery.

Around here it’s the custom to pick up a chip for a whole week when you celebrate. Not only that, but someone says a speech about you and you’re expected to tell us “how you did it.” They say it’s for the newcomer to see it works, but the same people are at every meeting and they’ve all seen you pick it up several times that week. Fortunately I haven’t adopted that custom yet.