It's a bit of a shock at first and some adjustments are definitely necessary, but it can be great fun as long as you don't take things too personally. I am the self-conscious, perfectionist type so it was harder for me. I was always worried about how I appeared to others and hated to lose. The most successful MPers don't care--they just play and play, and improve and improve. They pay attention, they listen, they try new things and challenge themselves to work at things that don't come naturally. They network with other good players and learn from them. They're active and keep open minds. They don't quit. Eventually, they reinforce their own learning by helping others learn, etc.., etc.. Some emerge as leaders in their own right. It's not so much different from any other "sport," really.

Your skills will come. Yes, at first your inexperience will show--but more to you than to others, who are used to new players coming in. So what? Find good mentors and work with them. If you do, it won't be long before you roll 'em up with your m8s just like all the rest who are successful MP players.

My two koku, fwiw.