What kind of lizard is good for a first one?

Now that I have an reptile/inverts room, I would like to have a lizard. Iguanas are bigger than I wanted to go, I want something that won't get much bigger than 12 to 14 inches as an adult.
I want something really friendly, that I can hold. Any suggestions?

i vote for a crested or leopard gecko. :)

We have 2 Bearded Dragons (16" & 21"). Normal size is about 18". They're really mellow.

We just bought a Blue Tongue Skink at the White Plains NY herp show yesterday. They're supposed to be real mellow and normally grow to about 18", max 24".

We recently got an Argentine Black & White Tegu. They're supposed to be one of the most intelligent lizards. Unfortunately they're a little out of your range, they grow to 3.5 to 4.5 feet long!!

I'd go with a Rankin dragon ( dwarf specie's of a bearded dragon ) they're really neat and only get to about 10-12" on average.

Beardies rule. I have had beardies for over 12 years, they are easy freindly and enjoy coming out to play. They can take a very wide temp range. I have some that live outside all summer. You can't go wrong with a beardie! :)

Lizards are awesome, and the sweetest are the Beardies and Bluetongue Skinks. You can't go wrong for a holding cuddling reptile with one of those (Tho I should warn you that once-in-a-blue-moon you find a beardie that won't settle...like mine). Smaller, I agree with mlededee on the crested or Leo gecko, tho cresteds will jump without warning at times. :) Leos and Fat tails are sweeties.

Good luck finding the right reptile!