I've heard that one a few times.
Seems congruent with him asking you to be his sponsor. Has he asked that lately? The words are program words but thats about all I hear that sounds related to aa. Im pretty sure the 12 steps and traditions are not fundamentally sucessful when abused and manipulated to serve ones selfish motivations.
My ex was super fond of this game. He would bust them out like there was no tomorrow. "Babe, its progress not perfection" and "this isnt about you". Then pop into the bathroom for a quick pint. Barf.
I once told my ex that since he was so comfortable throwing out program lingo, he was surely comfortable enough to ask another member or sponsor for a hand up. Because, afterall, this 'isnt about me' babe.