I just happened upon this thread...I hope those of you who spoke of it are getting over that "ill at ease - stick out like a sore thumb" feeling. I used to wonder how people knew I was a newcomer. But, it's like a magnet drawing those well-meaning sober people to you...and, they are so darned persistent!
I didn't feel comfortable going to anything but closed meetings for quite a while. But, there was a custom at the opening meetings that helped "break the ice" for me. At the end of the meeting, folks would line up to thank the speakers...just a simple, "Thank you" was all it took to make us both feel good.