take a hint

in the beginning, (i like opening stories like that. they seem to be a bigger deal.) anyway...

in the beginning, we were happy to have enough guys for a full indoor soccer team. the sessions are only 8 weeks long, so we could build on that foundation the next session. we had one individual who, putting it nicely, had no clue what he was doing. at the end of the first session, we decided collectively that it was in the best interest of the team to do two things. the first thing we would do is move up to a more competitive division. the second thing we would do is dismiss a certain individual on the team with the first thing in mind, since this certain individual lacked the skills to keep up with the less competitive division.

we had the unofficial, yet unanimously supported, head coach of the team write a gentle email explaining our desire to be more competitive and the changes that were necessary to make that desire a reality. this certain individual replied accepting the offer for him to play the next session, an offer that was not given. as a matter of fact, the offer was very politely removed from the table in the gentle email.

our unofficial, yet unanimously supported, head coach had a dilemna. "do i reiterate a simple concept and risk damaging this person's self-confidence forever?" "yes!!" we all found the decision somewhat easier.

so, i wonder... how many times have i been that guy? how many friends have tried to gently dismiss me from a place i just didn't belong? how many times have i been so obviously and awkwardly out of my element that it hindered the performance of others? i hope i've not been there. but if you're my friend and i have been, do us both a favor and don't dance around it. just tell me. i can take it... i think.