Many times a sport like tennis can become "snobbish" or "cliquish." This has been happening as long as I can remember.

"I don't want to lose to her, she is on a lower team than me."

"They must not think I am not good enough to play with them, they never ask me to play."

"They must not like me."

"They never ask me to go to lunch."

"I don't get invited to the "fun social" weekend events."

"If I lose to her they may not want me to stay and play on the team."

"They always stick me with the crummy players."

"They only call me to play at the last minute."

These are just a few of the comments I hear on a daily basis. Remember that although this is a competitive sport, it is also a social outlet for some and can be played for fun and fitness. You probably consider yourself a great player, but you may not be "that great."

When you were a beginner, you were terrible. How many people assisted you and played with you along the way to getting better? As the better player, the more people that you help and play with, the more players you will have to enjoy the game with later. Don't take yourself so seriously -- you can still be a kind and thoughtful player and at the same time be competitive. Many people out there need friends -- be one. The friends you make through tennis will become more important to you than the actual playing.

Good luck on the courts!