I totally agree with you! Immersing oneself in the language and culture is the key to becoming proficient in any language. It's amazing that you were able to learn English at 19 and now you are able to communicate effectively. Having a background in Latin-based languages definitely makes learning French easier, but it's important to remember that everyone learns at their own pace and it takes time and effort to become fluent. Keep up with your immersion in French culture and don't be discouraged by mistakes, they are a natural part of the learning process.