- In 2022, I made the decision to reignite my passion for tennis, which I hadn’t played in 30 years.
- I initially felt intimidated being around strangers while relearning the sport.
- Now, I communicate with my tennis friends daily and we have formed genuine friendships.
In the summer of 2022, my husband and I joined a country club after moving from New York City to Maine. We mainly joined to make new friends since we didn’t know anyone in town. The club was advertising a beginner tennis clinic starting in August, and although initially hesitant, I eventually signed up.
At first, the idea of relearning a sport and being around strangers intimidated me. However, I was yearning for more physical activity and convinced myself to give it a try. Little did I know, what started as a temporary hobby turned into a weekly routine that I absolutely enjoy. Not only that, but I also gained a group of friends that I would have never met otherwise.
I initially disliked the idea of playing a sport I wasn’t skilled at in front of strangers
During my childhood, I played tennis and excelled at it. Being a Gemini, I participated in various sports, eventually quitting them to explore new and exciting things, including tennis, around the age of 10.
When my husband and I started dating in 2014, he invited me to a tennis camp. Eager to impress him, I joined, knowing that he would be my support system among the other unfamiliar faces.
Upon signing up for tennis again in August 2022, I dreaded attending the classes. The fear of strangers watching me make mistakes and feeling foolish every time I missed or hit the ball out of the court overwhelmed me. However, I persisted in order to prove to my husband that tennis wasn’t my forte.
As time went on and I became acquainted with everyone’s names, the initial dread vanished. I started looking forward to tennis lessons, and the discomfort transformed into comfort.
Courtesy of Conz Preti
Those strangers became close friends, and now we communicate daily
The six weeks of the beginner clinic flew by, and as we all improved our tennis skills, the tennis pro offered the opportunity to continue. We eagerly agreed, forming a connection that went beyond mere acquaintanceship. Eventually, one of the women in the group suggested grabbing drinks after the lesson, and since then, we’ve made it a weekly ritual to share dinners and drinks together.
Thursdays are now dedicated to tennis, providing a personal time for me after a long week of work and taking care of the kids. I prioritize tennis on Thursdays by declining any other invitations. It has become an essential part of my life.
Courtesy of Conz Preti
It’s not just about the sport itself, although it allows me to break a sweat and clear my mind for a few hours. It’s about the incredible people I have met through tennis. We have developed authentic friendships and exchange messages with each other every single day.
Initially, we used our group chat to coordinate tennis lessons. However, our conversations expanded to include discussions about spouses, kids, work, current events, and everything in between. They have become my go-to group when I need advice or someone to confide in, as if we have known each other for ages.
Recently, I celebrated my 40th birthday and hosted a party attended by both old and new friends. A friend who recently moved and struggled to make new connections asked me how I had managed to meet so many people in a short time. I explained that by taking the initiative to play tennis, I formed friendships that will last a lifetime.
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