I started with ff5. It's very middling and probably will give you the best introduction.

It's decently easy, you have a lot of fun with job classes, yet you can still save teh best for last.

Which is why you ff7 fans oughtn't suggest he start with ff7.
Geeze, have some restraint people.

And I wouldn't start with ff1 unless you're expected to be fighting. a lot. and maybe get boredxD

Oh, and since you like ff8, play X 8 is my favorite and X is right behind it ^_^