My best friend “Greg” and I used to be indoor rock climbing partners. He started before I did and has certain advantages from being male and taller (I am female and shorter) that make him better than me.

In the last few months, I moved a bit farther and we are no longer climbing partners, but I boulder (individual climbing) at another gym. I really enjoy bouldering alone. I am not yet as good as I would like to be and am working hard on it. Every time I go, I feel really great about myself and whatever small amount of progress I have achieved.

Greg has asked me a few times if we can go bouldering together. I keep finding logistical reasons not to, but at the core I am insecure about bouldering with him and watching him easily complete the routes I have been struggling with for weeks. It’s not like I can learn from him either, as he does not have more technique than I do; he is simply stronger and taller. Although he doesn’t brag or intentionally make me feel bad, it does hurt my ego.

I truly value Greg as a friend and still love hanging out together. I just don’t want to do this hobby with him, through no fault of his own.

TLDR: I don’t want to boulder with my best friend because he is better than me and it hurts my ego. AITA?