I've been driving a stick since I was 15 (my girlfriend taught me)....I'm now 52...where do you live in FL ??? (I live near FWB/Destin)I don't automatics...to me they are 'point and shoot' type cars ( like cameras...no driving, just getting there.) I've never stalled any car (much)...I usually have a 'can't put my foot on the brake problem' (which is why my mechanic always asks me if I actually USE the brakes).Auto's are easier, but if you learn to drive a stick, you can drive anything, any time...(but if I were you, I'd find someone other than my boyfriend to teach me....men are NOT that nice when it comes to teaching a woman something....I taught my husband (when he was my boyfriend, but I have patience...(sometimes ;D )).