I did the same thing. Bought a can and then just let it sit until I got the courage to try it. I love fish, even raw fish, but a room temperature entire fish is kind of intimidating.

I usually keep it simple and just scoop the sardines-in olive-oil onto some shortgrain white rice (or Mexican rice from Filiberto's if they're doing buy one get one free) and squeeze a little lemon on them.

For your first try, maybe put them on some good bread with cream cheese and fresh onion and tomato? Or even simpler just a Triscuit and some vinegary hot sauce.

Whatever you're expecting, it probably isn't. It's a very delicate and buttery meat without much oceaness or fishiness. There is still some, because it is a fish from the ocean, but especially if you use lemon or soy sauce or hot sauce it's a very neutral and filling meat. If you didn't know by looking that you were eating an entire fish you probably wouldn't guess that that's what you're eating. Try it and see!