First of all, I learned to fly before simulators were available, so I can't answer your question completely. But, I've taught a lot of guys to fly and I do have some thoughts regarding your question.
One of the greatest challenges facing a newbie is proper turn commands when the model is coming toward you. As you have noticed, the inputs seem to be reversed from those when the model is flying away from you. It's in this arena that I feel flight simulators are extremely valuable. I would recommend you spend a lot of time flying the model toward you and then beyond as you would in a low approach and go-around. When you are comfortable doing approaches and go-arounds it would be time to learn about the next most important learning tool we have, the buddy box. Get yourself a good instructor, set up the buddy box, and have yourself a ball!