The pipe is not something that a person picks up and gets the hang of immediately. It takes time and patience.
Think of this, though. Look at this room. All of these people went through the same thing. None of us would be here if the end result was not worth the investment. It's a learning process.
It took me about a good month of having a pipe each day before one day I said "This is what pipe smoking is supposed to be!" Until then, I wondered why anyone would do it. It tasted like ash, hurt my tongue, frustrated me.
You'll get the hang of it, and from then on it's pure bliss, and a very fulfilling hobby.
Take the time to learn to fill a pipe correctly. A little on the loose side until you get it. It's easier to tamp down a loose bown than it is to loosen one that's too tight.
Sip slowly. Don't get hung up on the fact that you can't keep it lit. It's no big deal if you have to relight. It takes nothing away from the enjoyment for me if this happens.
Enjoy the time it takes. It's supposed to slow you down, take a break from the fast pace of life. Take a book with you, listen to a favorite CD.
You'll learn. It's worth the time. And if it gets to be nothing but frustration, put it down for a week or so, until you WANT to have a pipe. There should be no pressure here. This is about enjoyment.
WWhermit
