Because so many of us live entirely within ourselves. The hard part if getting beyond our own head and feelings and think of others first. Serving others is the best cure for any psychosis. That is why Christian programs work where others fail. Serving something larger than self is the answer to all our problems. I watched a program last night about people who contributed to society in 2004. They spotlighted Christopher Reed. He was considering suicide right after his accident. It was only after he put his energy into advocating for all paralyzed people that he became interested in living and grew beyond his self-pity to become an effective whole "person" again. Okay, that's my sterling words of wisdom for the day (grin).
However, I don't understand why saying no is such a big deal at a holiday party. These people are adults. Is peer pressure still really that strong?
Yes, I think we have become a me first society, but in order for an Alcoholics recovery, it is essential for a least the first year.