Hi all, I bought used rollerblades on ebay and I bought a helmet and all the padding. Once I got everything I need, I found that I am nervous to go out and try them. I'm not so much afraid of falling, as I am the *embarrassment* of falling. I don't have any friends or family members to do it with me so I will be having to learn it in my townhouse complex or in the park. Anyone have tips or suggestions to help me get started? I was thinking of practicing a little bit in my hallway in the house (it's not carpeted there) before going out doors.
Thanks!

The biggest thing I've found is make sure they're on tight enough- especially around the ankles. I tend to wear them tight enough so that there's slight discomfort at first, but with the padding the discomfort fades. If they're not tight enough around the ankles, they'll tend to make you lose your balance more often (and you risk straining your ankles). Enjoy!

I just started rollerblading myself. Thankfully I have someone that knows what they are doing to help me. I've gone out about 3 times, finally fell for the first time last night. It's a lot less embarrassing than you think it is (I felt the same way you do).
The pavement is a lot different than the hallway. I can do awesome at a rink: the street, no so much.
Try to figure out a time when not many people are around/outside. This will help ease your embarrassment as well as make it safer for you until you learn how to stop (I'm still doing planned falls, haha). Google london skates, they have a lot of really great tips and videos and instruction about proper techniques.