The first time I used an ATM, I had no idea how to use it. I asked a lady to teach me how to use it. The first time I flew, I asked strangers at the airport questions — I made them know it was my first time. There’s nothing wrong in accepting that it’s your first time. It’s okay.

In fact, on my first flight, I told my immediate seat partner that I was scared, as it was my first time flying, and I struggle with anxiety disorder, and specific phobias — which fear of heights is largely one. I held her hands during take off.

When I told one of my friends that I held my seat partner’s hand during take off, he tried to mock me. Here’s the thing: shame and vulnerability cannot work together, and without vulnerability, you can’t fully be HUMAN.

I didn’t stop holding hands during take off on my first flight. I still did with almost every flight, but I’m getting better. I’m sharing these stories because I want people to normalize being human, okay? It’s totally fine to say IT IS MY FIRST TIME.

It’s fine to say “I don’t know this dish”. “I don’t know how to use this machine.” “I don’t know what that means. It’s my first time”. Forming just to get along, only to get busted will leave you more embarrassed than being truthful about it being your first time.