I having a big problem with a person that has helped me a lot?

Question

Okay, so there's this guy at the church who has helped our family a lot financially and with everything when we were going through a hard time. And that was three years ago and I helped him with church work for 3 years now. So we have become good friends but now that I am going into high school, he said I should do a sport. So I said okay, I will do winter & spring sports like volleyball and baseball but then he kept pressuring me to play soccer when I really hate soccer, he tells me to bite the bullet and do it but I really hate it. So anyway, I have been trying out for 2 days now ( the try out four days long ) But I really can't take it. He's an old man so he's just, you just can't seem to win a argument with him. He's bringing up things like how he has helped me so much and invested so much in me and the times he wasted and the money and the blah, blah, blah. I can't take it anymore. What should I say to him?

Answer 1

It's great that you tried out his suggestion before completely giving up. It's probably true that you and your family owe him a lot but that doesn't mean you should have to do something that you hate to make up for it. Did you ask him why it has to be soccer? Baseball and Volleyball are just as good! You could tell him that you've already tried it and just cannot stand it. And that you really appreciate his help and are grateful for everything. Plus, if he's invested so much in you and helped you so much, then your destined to make every penny worth it. So his time wasn't wasted. If he keeps insisting on Soccer, then maybe it's time for other people to step in? or maybe you could stick with it just a little more.  

Answer 2

Just be honest and tell him that you are not interested in soccer.  If that doesn't work, fail the tryouts.