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the only way i can describe the feeling was it was a bad feeling.. and i honestly do not know why!
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it sounds like it may have been anxiety. I have social anxiety, and wanted to say to CoF and all others who have responded in this thread, you should check out the "social phobia" thread. Maybe alcohol was an easy social tool for you guys - maybe you can't hide behind that anymore and you now feel more 'exposed' in interactions. Maybe you need to boost your self esteem and confidence. I was recently talking to my Alcoholic Ex boyfriend (now 1 year sober) and as i was telling him about my social anxiety and the support meetings i've been going to, he really seemed to 'get it', and had a lot of the same feelings. I was also recently talking to an active alcoholic friend who said the same - that she has trouble being around people she doesn't know. I sometimes wonder if there is a link between the two. Maybe social anxiety is just more common than we think.
Sometimes I am very anxious around close family members, like my brother. I cant help it. Sometimes people with social anxiety feel more anxious the closer they get to people. Everyone's experience is different. But the good news is there is help for it - i would do as much research on social anxiety/phobia as you can, and look into CBT. Also, many of the 'therapies' designed for people with SA can be done by yourself.
Hang in there and take care of yourself. You are not alone.
If anyone wants to talk further about it, feel free to PM me. I'm new in my social anxiety recovery and am just learning myself!