Chess

I've been forcing all my friends to play chess with me lately. However, I am not really that skilled as a player. I find it frustrating trying to memorize all of the different openings and set-ups you can use to get the king in check. 

I wonder if learning this is the only way for me to get better at the game. I'd really only consider myself to be a beginner at chess, even though I've known how to play since I was a child. Despite my struggles to improve my skills, I really enjoy playing chess. For a centuries-old game, it truly never gets old. I wonder what games of our current time will last that long, if any. 

Any advice for a chess player looking to improve their skills without memorizing all of the openings, or is that the cross I must come to bear?