Just a couple things to add....

There are two different thoughts on the first rule of tandeming. The original "Rule #1" is: The Stoker Makes No Mistakes, which means if anything bad happens on a tandem accountability rests with the Captain. The Stoker is absolved of wrong-doing, i.e., if the tandem falls over during mounting or dismounting either the stoker wasn't properly instructed or the captain erred. The alternative Rule #1 "The Stoker is Always Right" has become quite popular and even shows up in Co-Motion's marketing materials. However, truth be told... stokers are quite often wrong about all kinds of things, as are captains. Feel free to use which ever makes a team feel better. Just know there are two different takes on Rule #1 and they are quite different in their meaning.

As for becoming comfortable on a tandem, just remember that this forum's participants tend to be successful tandem teams and they have covered the bases on why things have worked well for them. I like to think of the formula for success as: Compatibility coupled with the ability to Communicate & Compromise and the Stoker's Trust in the Captain's Competency.

Trust can quickly be undermined by a crash, poor judgement / scaring the bejeezus out of your stoker, or taking your stoker for granted, i.e., fooling yourself into thinking there is open and honest communication or compromise taking place when, in fact, there's not. Once that trust is lost, it can be terminal unless the root cause is identified and addressed.

Just something to keep in mind.