Knowing the First Officer (and sharing a tiny; cabin with him) certainly increased my comfort level especially since this was such a new experience. We worked different shifts so we were indeed like ships passing in the night. I saw him at breakfast and dinner; he slept all day and did the night watch when I was sleeping. But it was nice to know he was there. Still, I had to prove myself in my job and keep up with all my related tasks and in the end I did.