"Good thing English is my first language, because otherwise I don't know if I could've picked it up!" But I get what you're saying about it being harder in some ways, both because we might be less exposed to other languages, and because there's less motivation to learn other languages, since a lot of business, etc. is done in English.

The research seems to indicate your brain is more flexible at learning language when you're a baby/young child, which is why we do all learn to speak our mother tongue in a relatively short time. Probably because we have no choice as well!

I'm sure you're right about really having to put in the effort, though. I probably haven't done that. I do want to pick up more Japanese language (I learned a little in high school, so there is a base for building on), but I have to say the writing is what is the hardest! It's one thing to remember words, but remembering characters kicks my butt!