My first introduction to curry was in London in 1967. The guidebook explained that there are three kinds of curry restaurants: for tourists, for locals and for Indians.
Being the intrepid travelers that we were, we chose the authentic kind. Sat down to eat, took a bite....ummm, good....took a second bite....umm, getting a little warm.....paused.....HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, WHAT DO I HAVE IN MY MOUTH?!?!?!
The kind waiter saw that I was in extreme distress (and I do mean extreme as I was blind with tears, felt like my head was going to explode, couldn't get a deep breath....man, my TEETH hurt!) and brought me a large glass of yoghurt to help put out the flames.
It was years before I approached curry again. I dearly love it now but I know my limitations and order accordingly. A little pain is OK, but not that much. I have the same problem with jalapenos and other peppers of the sort. What other people find mildly spicy, I find painful. I must have the most delicate little snowflake tastebuds in the world. I'm planning to go to India next spring and I know it's going to be a culinary minefield. Watch out! Jujube just burst into flames again!