I've decided to learn how to drink. Not hardcore or anything like that, just a drink or 2. I just don't know where to start & how much is enough.

Tom thinks it would be best to drink beer (Keiths). So I'm going to pick up a 6 pack tonight. But how will I know if even 1 beer is too much? I'm not a very big person (5'2) & I've never had a drink in my life (I'll be 24 in Aug)..
My folks don't drink so I don't know how I'll react to it... Tom thinks it'll be best if I went to a bar for a drink (he said drinking alone starts a bad habbit & I agree). BUT I'm so darn shy I don't think I can go alone (I hope I can make it into the beer store). I don't know anyone in this city that I could go with. I know Tom wont go with me, I know I can drink with him at his place (I just want to learn how to drink before I go to his place as I'd rather not accidently get drunk off my rocker & be near him)...

another question.. How fast or slow are you suppose to drink? Slow like a tea (ok I'm not good at drinking tea slow, but I know the proper speed) or fast as in a can of pop (lasts maybe 10 mins)?

I'm a late bloomer in just about everything. Didn't even try to start to drive until I was 20yrs old (didn't feel like I was ready) & here I am almost 24 learning something else new (smoking & drugs will forever be off my list!)...

Thanks guys (feels stupid for even posting this)