HI! it's true, i agree with you, it's harder, but i feel is a very clever idea to start studying a language similar to your, to continue, finally, step by step, finding connections (grammatical, cultural and so on). passion and curiosity is the way (:
for example, italians can study first spain or french, first. then, they can improve english till to discover german....
i hope my opinion will be useful for you, and no problem if you have problem! it's normal for all persons.
sorry for my bad english!
C:
Bea