Paradoxically, THINKING of oneself as an eccentric is pretty much the norm these days! Such an inflation of "personality" around...! "Originality for its own sake and at any cost" - seems to be the motto of the century.
Some think it all the time and say (or try to prove it) during the first five minutes of making their acquaintance. Others think it deep inside and take a lot of time and confidence to confess it.
Perhaps it is an easy excuse for not being CENTERED - that is very hard, indeed...
The true eccentric, however, is less reflexive: he doesn't say "I'm an eccentric", he says "The World has gone mad".
Apropos - one more thing: if you ever get to run the Eccentric Club (good luck!), never trust an applicant who recommends HIMSELF as an eccentric!
http://www.eccentricclub.co.uk/membership.php