The bumps aren't so bad all the time, sometimes they're simply necessary. At least that's been my experience. I'd hardly call our current situation smooth sailing.
Well you can only be who you are, and most people don't even have that much figured out. I have learned that if I make a mistake and someone bails then they didn't know anything about me at all. Don't worry so much, you seem to have a good head on your shoulders and willingness to help people. You're doing worlds better than most of the population. Mistakes and missteps are just part of the bumps. Take it from the man who's middle name is "Mistakes and missteps."