Dude, I learned how to use LOOK pedals on a sidestreet outside of my LBS many years ago.

Okay, try this - put your bike parallel to a wall, get on, use your arm to support you, and clip in with both feet. Now clip in & out with your foot on the opposite side of wall until comes natural. Get off, turn around the bike and do the same thing with your other foot.

Maybe the tension is too tight? When I got my new LOOK pedals last summer, I made them as tight as possible. Oops, I almost fell over at a light and had to forcefully jam my foot out.