Player issue, DM advice requested /u/Sevro_Au_Barca_1 DnD: Roll for Initiative!

So I’m running a game that’s been going with the same group for going on 3 years now (we’re 30-40s) and only get together once or twice a month with a holiday 2 month hiatus. PCs are lvl 10.

It’s my first serious game I’ve DM’d (got into the hobby during Covid and love it) and I think I do a fair job and try to prep adequately for each game with balancing encounters, creating maps, etc (relevant later).

There’s always been one player, let’s call him Fred, that does shenanigans, sometimes funny, sometimes annoying, but then this player gets mad when there are repercussions to their actions.

In the most recent session, Fred started the session in a noticeable mood and seemed irritated during most of the session. After the game, Fred messages the group and myself complaining how the session was too difficult and unwinnable, how I need to better balance these things and might not know this being a newer DM, how he feels singled out, and a few other complains.

I defended my choices in the chat explaining that his choices he made caused the repercussions, not all encounters can be won with a straightforward hack and slash approach, and the time I spend working on prepping for each session despite being new. I also spoke to this person individually.

The matter seemed to be resolved, however weeks after the incident, my sails still feel deflated and I question whether it’s even worth continuing the game.

Can anyone share how they might handle these situations in the future or advice on getting the enjoyment back after all this?

So I’m running a game that’s been going with the same group for going on 3 years now (we’re 30-40s) and only get together once or twice a month with a holiday 2 month hiatus. PCs are lvl 10.

It’s my first serious game I’ve DM’d (got into the hobby during Covid and love it) and I think I do a fair job and try to prep adequately for each game with balancing encounters, creating maps, etc (relevant later).

There’s always been one player, let’s call him Fred, that does shenanigans, sometimes funny, sometimes annoying, but then this player gets mad when there are repercussions to their actions.

In the most recent session, Fred started the session in a noticeable mood and seemed irritated during most of the session. After the game, Fred messages the group and myself complaining how the session was too difficult and unwinnable, how I need to better balance these things and might not know this being a newer DM, how he feels singled out, and a few other complains.

I defended my choices in the chat explaining that his choices he made caused the repercussions, not all encounters can be won with a straightforward hack and slash approach, and the time I spend working on prepping for each session despite being new. I also spoke to this person individually.

The matter seemed to be resolved, however weeks after the incident, my sails still feel deflated and I question whether it’s even worth continuing the game.

Can anyone share how they might handle these situations in the future or advice on getting the enjoyment back after all this?