My first car was an automatic, but my last 2 have been manual transmissions. Being a young driver, I think they both have their pro's and cons..
For instance, driving a manual will get guy appeal, but when you're driving you can't hold your girls hands if you're shifting a lot. UNLESS, you're sweet and romantic like me and place their hand on the stick and shift while their hand is on it making it feel like they're important. You've got to be a lot more cautious while driving a stick too, because as Xabba mentioned, you've got to press in on the clutch when coming to a stop.
Most of today's cars are pretty good when it comes to clutch strength. My car was almost 12 years old when I sold it and the clutch was still as good as day 1. The car I own now I haven't noticed anything except when starting it, I have to press it all the way to the floor, which could just be a manufactor thing.
I learned to drive a manual actually from being grown up on tractors, four wheelers, and dirt bikes. It's a little bit different using your feet than a couple of fingers, but the principle is the same.
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