this, naturally, lead to much better results, as I was no longer telegraphing "I am nervous and uncomfortable and am following a physical script I made up without your input"
some people never really move past this stage, which is unfortunate
luckily it's like any partner skill
dancing with a partner, or doing acro, are not very different at all from kissing; it works best when you remain present and aware, don't dissociate out of anxiety, and remain receptive to your partners state and telegraphed wishes rather than moving on your own