You'll get it. It's much easier than twitter. Just either ask a question or respond to one. Helps to introduce yourself a bit

so...I'm stacy from Haddonfield, NJ and I teach third grade

Ask questions! We will be glad to help. Also check out the FAQ at the bottom right.

it doesn't take long to be more comfortable with it - the more people you friend the more threads will show up on your timeline

check people's profiles to find other people that have things in common with you and request them as friends

everyone's so helpful - you'll be rolling along in no time!

A couple of people to go find would be KevinH and scarter. They both have lots of friends.

Just ask to be their friend and then you'll be able to see their friend list. It really starts to take shape after about 50.