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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

For wanting to quit tennis with DH

53 replies

LibbyVonTrap · 03/01/2022 10:26

Last year DH and I joined David Lloyd. We signed up for the extra racquet sports so we could play together and spend time together. Neither of us had really played tennis before so I wasn’t expecting amazing rallies or whatever but thought we might improve together.

Anyway first time we booked a court DH really showed us up. He was throwing himself on the floor, running into the net and “bouncing off it” and at one point threw his racquet across the court. I kept telling him to stop messing around as people were looking but he made out it was all accidental and he was just getting to grips with everything. We tried a couple more times but he acted the same, it was totally pointless as I’d hit the ball and he would either miss it or whack it into the wall. I spent the entire time just stood there waiting for him to get up off the floor.

We tried an outdoor court but that was worse as the ball just went flying and DH would run after it through the courts rather than just leaving it and using a new ball. We ended up arguing the last time we were there and havnt been since.

Anyway as a NY resolution he wants us to go back. I said no initially due to his messing around but he promised he won’t so I agreed.

We’re meant to be going on Friday but I’m dreading it!! It’s just too embarrassing and frustrating. Now that I’ve said I’ll go I’m thinking of using this as a last chance for him to take it seriously before cancelling the racquet sports completely or AIBU and taking a “fun” hobby too seriously?

I just don’t see the point!! I just end up stood there watching his dramatics!

OP posts:
k1233 · 03/01/2022 11:22

Give it one last go. At the first sight of his ridiculous BS turn and leave the court. Definitely pursue playing without him. Tennis is pretty fun.

Theendisnow · 03/01/2022 11:23

I’m surprised you didn’t quit after one match. What a dick! I wouldn’t find it funny. If you play on Friday and he behaves the same, I’d find someone else to play with if you enjoy it.

Credenhill22 · 03/01/2022 11:25

"You cannot be serious"

whachatalkinaboutwillis · 03/01/2022 11:27

I don't get this at all. Is he trying and failing due to poor co ordination (I can't hit a ball in a straight line to save my life despite years and years of pointless lessons!!) or is he dicking about? He sounds like a total fuckwit, I have no idea how you put up with him if he's like this in other areas of life.

Thatsplentyjack · 03/01/2022 11:32

What is he playing at? Have you asked him why he's acting like an oversized drastic 6 year old?

nancy75 · 03/01/2022 11:38

I bet the players in the other courts just love him.
I work at a tennis club, we would be asking him to behave or leave if it’s as you describe.

billy1966 · 03/01/2022 11:40

He sounds like an absolute moron and unfortunately it is likely to be noticed.

Tennis is a fantastic game to play and you should ask to join a coaching group on your own.

Don't discuss it with him.
Do it on your own.

If he is such an immature, attention seeking fool, a hobby like tennis that you can enjoy for decades to come will be a great hobby to have.

Treecreature · 03/01/2022 11:41

Unclench and relax.

CraftyYankee · 03/01/2022 11:42

@Credenhill22

"You cannot be serious"
Well played 👏
Gladioli23 · 03/01/2022 11:44

I would take a swimming costume in your sports bag and if he behaves like a knob go and have a peaceful swim/sit in the steam room etc.

I am truly terrible at tennis but I would enjoy learning to play (while being dreadful) - I wouldn't want someone clowning around to the point of embarrassment while I did it.

llansannan22 · 03/01/2022 11:54

If you do give him one more opportunity, you must stick by it. I think you are being generous if you do that.

Sparklfairy · 03/01/2022 12:11

Its a real dick move to carry on knowing he's spoiling it for you.

Hedgesgalore · 03/01/2022 12:39

David Lloyd do fast track tennis sessions they are for beginners those returning to tennis after a gap wanting a refresh. I suggest you sign up to those. The coach will set your DH straight on what is acceptable on court.

I play tennis, your dh's antics would really irritate.

Notjustanymum · 03/01/2022 12:58

Me and DH signed up to tennis coaching at David Lloyd a few years ago. I’d played at school, but my word! It was a revelation finding out how to hold the racquet and hit the ball properly, and 7 years of school tennis hadn’t taught me that!
Tell DH that if he really wants to play, then he has to be prepared to work on his technique AND play with other people, as he won’t improve by playing with the same one person all the time, and that the coaches won’t want any drama, so behave like an adult!

moremoony · 03/01/2022 13:05

Why would you be asked to leave? He’d be asked to leave. His behaviour is not your responsibility. Keep your membership and join the tennis league they run. Have it as your hobby. He sounds like a child!

timeisnotaline · 03/01/2022 13:08

Keep your membership but I agree be prepared to walk out first sign of this behaviour. Can you sign up for the social partners without telling him?

Aquamarine1029 · 03/01/2022 13:10

Anyway first time we booked a court DH really showed us up. He was throwing himself on the floor, running into the net and “bouncing off it” and at one point threw his racquet across the court.

I can't believe you actually stayed on the court with him. Aren't you humiliated by his behaviour? What an absolute tit. There's no way this is a one off occurrence, reserved only for tennis lessons.

girlmom21 · 03/01/2022 13:12

Go again and if he behaves like a tit leave.

ManicPixie · 03/01/2022 13:14

Just don’t play with him again. Join a members league.

dottiedodah · 03/01/2022 13:25

Is he 10? HE sounds completely childish and silly . Just cancel and tell him why .He would take up another sport maybe !

Dora33 · 03/01/2022 13:30

Please don't quit playing tennis. You have the right approach to learning and will enjoy and improve by joining the club.
As you have agreed to play on Friday, go then but give him a warning when he act up first. That you will leave tbe court if he repeats this behaviour. Then if he acts up again, just leave.
Anybody watching will most likely be shocked by him but be sorry for you.
Tennis is a sport that most beginner adults really benefit from lessons to play unless they have a natural hand eye coordination.
Though sounds like he doesn't have a temperament suited to Tennis at any level.

JSL52 · 09/01/2022 17:16

@Dora33 did you play ? How was it ? Better I hope.

saleorbouy · 09/01/2022 17:22

Go again and tell him to buck up and behave like an adult.
Start playing with others and maybe he'll be shamed into acting like a normal adult.
It's not your issue so don't get embarrassed it's his behaviour and his issue.

MattHancocksSexTape · 09/01/2022 17:32

[quote JSL52]@Dora33 did you play ? How was it ? Better I hope. [/quote]
I think you meant @LibbyVonTrap?

Skeumorph · 09/01/2022 17:33

But how can he hold the racquet at all with his tiny T-rex arms, Shaz???