Had missed my name above.

I think a few things may be getting lumped together there and I was just asking how doing any request in a session toughens you up?

But to try to comment on the points you raise.

I actually find the pub session relaxing and sheltered from some of the things I don't get on with. The background ambience and the fact that you rarely really have an audience (although one hopes some in the bar may be enjoying the music while they are chatting) seems to be quite the opposite of giving a performance. The whole thing is (OK maybe within one repertoire, eg. Irish dance tunes) off the cuff, ie. I don't know what's coming next.

I can find the hardest is trying to do something on my own in a folk club where there is the absolute hush. Done it many times as floor spot and in singarounds but I never find it as relaxing as the session scene.