Good advices & pretty interesting topic :) I like the part where you described the mastermind joining you both. That's kind of really spiritual :P
I for myself feel like you - I am confident in my own space or a totally different place. But in my own hood - I am shy as hell and it feels like making the first step as a tightrope walker or something like that.. I don't know ^^ but it feels good to be not alone with that and to see that also you needed some practice to achieve what you are today :)
Yes it is :) . There's something that happens when two (or more) minds meet.
Yeah, it's been a bit of a struggle, but after a while it becomes easier.