what id tell a newbie today...

not advice in a checklist way, more like a quiet word in the car park before you walk in. you're not gonna ruin your marriage in one night unless youve been ruining it for ages already. the first time will be confusing not magical. you'll have a play partner you really click with and then nothing for 4 months, both are normal. people are kinder than you expect, and weirder than you expect, often at the same time. the worst people are the ones who treat it like a transaction, the best are the ones who treat it like a dinner party. and please, please debrief in the car... not the next day. raw is better than rehearsed...