January 2, 2025 at 11:12 am

She Decided To Practice Skiing Alone So She Could Safely Keep Up With Her Friends, But When She Told Them They Took It Personally

by Mila Cardozo

Source: Reddit/AITA/Unsplash/OlegSmirnov

Sometimes you need to do things for yourself and unfortunately, some people take it personally.

In this case, this woman wanted to practice skiing without her more advanced friends so she could keep up with them, and they were upset about it.

Was she really in the wrong, though?

Let’s analyze the situation.

AITA for not inviting my friend skiing when I was going?

I (20 year old woman) am a beginner skier.

I started skiing two years ago with a day pass, did about four days last season, and this is my first year with a full season pass.

I also bought some decent used skis to make it worth the cost.

I go to school in Colorado, so I can easily drive up to ski for a day and then come back to sleep at home.

Sounds lovely!

For context, I’m confident on green runs and can handle blues without much issue.

However, I’m not skilled at tricks, and the one time my friends took me on a short black diamond, I was terrified.

I just recently figured out the difference between parallel turns and carving, and I’ve almost mastered hockey stopping but still lack confidence in that skill.

She is striving to get better at skiing.

Here’s where I might be in the wrong: sometimes I don’t invite my friends when I go skiing.

Skiing with them can feel intimidating because they’re better than me, and I feel pressured to keep up or tackle harder trails I’m not ready for.

I hate feeling like I’m holding them back or risking my life on trails they prefer.

She was feeling uncomfortable, so she decided to do something about it.

When we do ski together, they typically leave me toward the end of the day to tackle harder runs while I enjoy some peaceful time working on greens or easier terrain.

So, this season, I decided to ski solo more often to practice and build my skills and confidence.

This way, when I do go with them, it’s more fun for everyone.

It’s been working!

This was a smart move, but to her surprise, her friends had an opinion about it.

I’ve improved a lot and recently invited them to ski.

They were surprised at how much better I’d gotten.

I’m still no pro, but I was keeping up with them much better than usual, and I even tried some small jumps in the terrain park—though I still fall sometimes.

They asked how I’d improved, and I explained that I’d been skiing on my own to practice.

They got upset that I hadn’t invited them to join me on those practice days.

Making someone feel bad about doing something to better themselves is a red flag.

I tried to explain that those days were just for repetitive drills on greens and small parks, and I didn’t want to feel judged or pushed to advance faster than I was comfortable with.

The car ride home was tense.

(For context, I’m the main driver for our group since I have the only car that can fit everyone and the gear. Others have cars that can make the trip, but not with everyone and the gear so mine is the go-to.)

Interesting.

While the silence isn’t unusual, it definitely felt awkward this time.

Now I’m wondering if I was wrong for not inviting them to join me on my solo ski trips, even though those days were specifically for personal practice.

AITA?

Being upset over someone practicing their own hobby is so immature.

Let’s see what Reddit has to say about this.

A commenter shares their thoughts.

Source: Reddit/AITA

This person sounds baffled.

Source: Reddit/AITA

This reader mentions a few important points to consider.

Source: Reddit/AITA

Another commenter chimes in.

Source: Reddit/AITA

Someone asks a question.

Source: Reddit/AITA

Exactly.

Source: Reddit/AITA

This is a red flag and she needs to stand up for herself.

She has the right to improve her skills, especially in a dangerous sport.

If you thought that was an interesting story, check this one out about a man who created a points system for his inheritance, and a family friend ends up getting almost all of it.