first time questions

okay so i just turned 16 & i’ve been dating my boyfriend for about 5 months & i have really strong feelings for him & i know he has them towards me too. i feel like i’m ready to take the next step in our relationship & im not really sure how to go about doing it. basically i just have a few questions for anybody willing to help me out:

1.) how do you know if you’re ready to have sex? like how can you tell if they just turn you on or if you’re physically/mentally ready?

2.) how do you initiate sex for the first time? bc my SO has made it very clear that if i want to do anything like that that he wants me to tell him/start something myself bc he “wouldn’t want to put me in a situation i’m uncomfortable with” so i’m not really sure how to start anything

3.) is it guaranteed that your first time will be awkward or do people actually have smooth & natural first sexual experiences??

thanks so much! any answers are appreciated!!

have a great day!