After becoming deeply involved with chess during most of highschool, I eventually gave it up for three reasons:
1) I realized that I would not be the best
2) I eventually decided that, although I loved the game very much, it was a waste of time, and
3) I started hanging out with more girls. I wouldn't say they were more fun or more deeply satisfying - but they were able to distract me away from the game.
But I think chess is a beautiful game and gave me great training in confidence, strategy, organization and memorization.
My friend Gaëtan, from Liège, sent me this very helpful link that has free online chess lessons from some of the best players in the world.