I am a quivering wreck

The worst thing that can happen against a human opponent, is that they'll cheat you with Stockfish, but then you're just playing Stockfish again, so you should be calm. Nowadays Lots of 'human players' are Stockfish, so don't worry.

Here's how to draw with Stockfish (Gotham video, winning on time, 3 min.):
www.you()tube.com/watch?v=KUMIKoKkN6M

Now seriously, you may wanna try ZEN mode and Kid mode. ZEN mode means you only see the board, not the rating. Kid mode means chat is disabled for both, all the time, even when out of the games.

You know what's funny when playing in ZEN mode? players rated 1900 to 2200, are the same level, those closer to 2200 are just Way more aggressive. Do not believe me - try and see. (- play in ZEN mode, after the game watch the player's rating - you'd be surprised).

@Chesserroo2 said in #5:
> Also, they could be alert that day, and you less alert than normal, or distracted.
>
> Or learn to love the pressure. Chess is supposed to take your mind off the world.

i DONT THINK SO

I was like this when I played my first game with a real person. So nervous, I lost my queen in the first few moves (more than once) and was asked was I a beginner (I wasn't!!) Another time I kept hitting the 'resign' button not knowing I had to double click it, so in fact was offering a draw over and over, when I clearly had nil chance of getting through the next few moves ️ and I won't mention the time I found myself playing anti-chess without a clue why the king was still in play. But soon I relaxed and began to enjoy myself and got to learn how the system works. now I just make blunders, not bloomers lol. FWIW I always play rated games as they feel more real to me and I can follow my progress better. Good luck OP - hang in there.