I’m tired of playing tennis with my dad and want to stop

Dear Amy: As a millennial, tennis used to be a regular activity I enjoyed with my dad, despite both of us not being very skilled at the game. However, a few years ago, I became burnt out and stopped playing altogether. This decision coincided with the pandemic, and I simply grew tired of it. The fact that my father would often cancel or be late for our scheduled matches added stress to the experience.

Since then, my father constantly asks me to play tennis whenever I see him, which happens around twice a month. He persistently wonders if I have given up on tennis, and even my mom joins in on these inquiries. How can I respond to these incessantly annoying questions?

– Annoyed Son

Dear Annoyed: I must say, your own inquiry falls into the category of annoyances. Have you ever simply told your parents that you have given up on playing tennis? It seems your father genuinely wants to reconnect with you through this shared activity. Instead of being annoyed, why not consider it as an opportunity for bonding?

The kindest response would be to suggest an alternative activity that both of you can enjoy together. Ping pong, for example, could be a great option. It’s important to maintain open communication with your father and understand his intentions.

You can contact Amy Dickinson at [email protected] or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter or Facebook.

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