[kathy and al]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

I've noticed whenever a "seasoned" poster dares to suggest that The Villages is less than perfect, someone usually steps in to suggest they are grumpy or depressed or need meds of some sort. Usually it is a Newbie, setting the record straight! Or GG, and we all treasure her sunny outlook. Most of the Oldies that used to be members of TOTV have left. We have a few seasoned posters, but this site is overwhelmingly for Newbies who are blown away by the beauty and cleanliness and lifestyle opportunities. And that's the way it should be.

I think that living in The Villages is much like falling in love. In the first stage, the loved one is perfect and the answer to a prayer. In this stage there is perpetual activity, decorating, dancing at town squares, and enrolling in so many clubs and activities that usually you have to take a time out because of exhaustion.

In the second stage, perhaps a year later, flaws are beginning to surface, but the loved one is still almost perfect. Line-ups at restaurants and for popular classes can be annoying. Driving a golf cart everywhere is a little less fun, and people drive their cars more often, especially if they're going to the opposite side of TV. The tendency is to visit the Squares less, and perhaps spend more time at neighbourhood parties and enjoying the pleasures of home. Perhaps even start cooking and having dinner parties, rather than lining up at restaurants.

In stage three, when the flaws are glaringly evident, the loved one is still valued and loved, warts and all. The Town Squares are pridefully shown off to company, and visted occasionally. Parades and crowds are more likely to be avoided than to be desired. People move to larger or smaller houses, or trade a house with a kissing lanai for a house with a view lot. Or move from an old section to a new one. Or from a new Village to more relaxed Historical. In stage three, some people decide TV is not for them. Not because they are grumpy or ill or depressed or need meds. I've know a lot of people who moved out of TV, although of course, they're not posting on TOTV so you won't hear their stories. They are people who wanted to be near the ocean, or live in more privacy with fences and less restrictions. Some people feel that TV is a "cookie cutter" or "Stepford wife" environment. There are people who are sorry they left their family up north and want to be near them again. They are people who were told that "TV is paradise and you should live here". So they moved to TV because they thought it would solve all their problems in life, but of course it didn't, so they moved on.

After five seasons here, I love TV and wouldn't leave it. I'm certainly not trying to badmouth TV, it is an unique community like no other. The only point I'm trying to make, gentle readers, is that TV isn't perfect for everyone. And when people find fault with TV, it isn't because they have an attitude problem.

If you have not written or published books professionaly in the past, I suggest you consider doing so. Very well written, clear, concise, etc. etc., etc. Thanks for your input.