Oh yes very much. I think I may actually have become more like this as I age. Even in a shop I won’t like to bother the assistant because they’re busy, yet I work in a shop myself and help customers all the time as part of my job.

I think on some level I’m scared of intruding upon others and possibly being rejected. Recently my sister said I was turning the conversation to myself and that hurt me and made me worry about this more. I guess essentially I’m doing that here in sharing my own experience, turning conversation back to myself!

I wish I had something more illuminating or helpful to say but I’m sorry that you’re feeling this too. Yes the exchange idea sounds a good one, I think that’s the basis of healthy interaction.