I first tried sushi because I couldn't think of another way to get nori, rice and wasabi served in a restaurant without the fish.
Before long I was addicted to it. I have it as often as the wallet can manage the expense.
Whenever someone says they don't want to try raw fish I steer them to the dishes with shellfish that are cooked. Or if they don't want seafood, there is beef or vegetable versions - umeboshi, natto, and diakon rasish or other pickled veggies. A hand roll with umeboshi, natto and a perilla leaf is my all time favorite, other than unagi or hamachi sashimi. So far the only thing I have tried that I don't like is uni. I am in that half of the population that really can't handle the taste.
These days I am not enjoying sushi but hosting a group of people who get to gether to try out all the Japanese restaurants in north central Texas. We have have some really good food because fresh fish is flown in daily (or more often).
Someone mentioned sushi smelling funny. I would say if you smell something "fishy" don't eat it raw. Fresh fish does not have that strong aroma.