The first time can be daunting, but it gets easier. My first time out was to a convenience store. A teenage girl outside said "ooh. It takes a real man to wear a skirt." Not exactly encouraging. Inside the store the Pakistani cashiers were all smiles and polite. They asked me where I'm from. You should've seen their faces when I answered "Philadelphia"

As far as not knowing what to do with your hands while standing... I try to keep a beer in one and a cigarette in the other.

Yes I know smoking is bad.