I was also like this but I managed to wire my brain to get over the anxiety/fear whatever it was to getting started and it’s worked magically.

And I’m thankful - I’d really hate to rely on something else to get me going…

That’s great! I just want to be clear - it’s not “reliance.” It is a tool, and I find it helpful.

I managed my entire life without it, and I can certainly continue to do that.

But there’s no reason, imho, to give up the automatic transmission just because I already know how to drive stick.