Sugarbear,
Your comments on shyness I thought interesting, I jokingly tell shy people I hate shy people (in the hope it will bring them out of their shyness). I have never looked at shyness as self centredness but I was leaning towards that.
I can be very shy in new groups. I was closely observing myself at a new AA meeting the other night and had some of the feelings FHB1 you expressed about the group but I knew in my heart it was me, that is not to discount what you are experiencing as true.
Good thread, I love your honesty. The more sober I get, the more self centred I realize I am. I used to think I was a kind, giving, generous person and would struggle to be that but I wasn't at all.
CaiHong