What are the advantages for a single in TV?

[manaboutown]

As a long time single now 72 years of age seriously considering relocating to The Villages I am curious about how singles now residing in TV feel about their lives in TV versus in their hometowns. Was it worth the move? How so?

What I have felt during several visits to TV is a warm sense of close (but not closed) community. Singles in TV not only frequently socialize but look after one another. Everyone has moved from somewhere else and seems to be open to meeting new people and developing new friendships. In my hometown social groups are pretty much long term and fixed in place. I have long term friendships but it can be difficult to develop many new ones other than by joining large church groups.

I am not asking for anything personal, just general thoughtful observations.

Thank you!

[chachacha]

well, i came to a realization this summer while visiting my daughter and family....there i am grandma, the old person....here i am chachacha, a "hot chick" by our standards :) i feel like i am still leading an active and relevant life. heck, Maybe even thought i was a celebrity! i am sure every person our age can appreciate being among peers no matter what their interests happen to be.

[the square]

Manaboutown, when you figure out what that "chachacha" post is all about let me know.

[folkh]

As a long time single now 72 years of age seriously considering relocating to The Villages I am curious about how singles now residing in TV feel about their lives in TV versus in their hometowns. Was it worth the move? How so?

What I have felt during several visits to TV is a warm sense of close (but not closed) community. Singles in TV not only frequently socialize but look after one another. Everyone has moved from somewhere else and seems to be open to meeting new people and developing new friendships. In my hometown social groups are pretty much long term and fixed in place. I have long term friendships but it can be difficult to develop many new ones other than by joining large church groups.

I am not asking for anything personal, just general thoughtful observations.

Thank you!

Manabouttown:welcome:, great post!! Did not expect to be moving to The Villages as a single but have recently become a widower. Bought a home July of 13 expecting to move down retired together. Now I will be moving down single summer of 15. Hoping there is a welcoming community for a 61 year old.

[Bruiser1]

No one can plan the loss of a spouse. I moved down her and also lost my best friend.

But there are all kinds of groups for socializing (village single baby boomers & village singles)

There is music everywhere. women love to dance. Meet and greet

[Cisco Kid]

Manaboutown, when you figure out what that "chachacha" post is all about let me know.


Don't be a seat

[chachacha]

don't know what was not understandable about my post except that Maybe is one of the posters who told me he thought i was a celebrity :) i thought that was funny! my point was that among our peers we are still relevant, but when thrown in with the regular world we are only looked upon as old people. if we were in an oriental culture where age is revered, that might be different. :)

[2BNTV]

Moving down to TV has been a great experience from the cold northeast. Some parts of upper Westchester County, in New York, had several inches of snow yesterday. I mentioned the snowfall to a friend today and the horrors of TV people having to wear a jacket today, when out and about. He replied, OH NO!!!!!! It's too early for snow, even up, here!

It's a chance to make new friends and relationships because "it takes time to grow old friends". I still have kept my friendships of 35 years plus, and enjoy many new friends.

If a person is somewhat outgoing, making friends is easy. You'll find that many people are good people and want to share their life experience, with like minded people. After all, we all have been around the block once or twice. :D

[Bonnevie]

I moved here because I was single. Back home most of my friends were married and my social options were limited. I tried joining meet-up groups with limited results. Here, I can be as busy as I want. If I want to go to a movie I can go with Sumter Singles movie and dinner night. They have hiking activities, golf, parties, etc. so you don't have to feel odd attending alone. There are clubs for everything you can think of. I was really worried about becoming more reclusive in my old age....I saw my mother isolate herself and did not want to be that way. There are also lots of volunteer opportunities if you are so inclined. There's really too many things...I haven't even scratched the surface after being here a year.

[In awe of TV]

Chachacha, your response was understood perfectly. Living with my peers is what I am looking forward to. Don't know if TV will work out for me when I'm ready to move, but living in an active 55+ is a priority for me.

I'm thrilled you are enjoying your celebrity status - live like a queen beautiful lady!

[manaboutown]

Thank you all for responding.

A few years ago I started being addressed as "Sir" when meeting or talking with younger adults and renamed "Grandpa" from "Dad" by my son so I can relate to what Chax3 wrote.

During my visits to TV I went alone into different restaurants to eat and struck up conversations whenever I could. It almost felt like a class reunion! The folks I met, single or married, wanted to talk, share experiences. We could all relate to one another somehow. I felt very welcome.

It appears to me there is no reason to be lonely or get bored in TV with so many available companionable folks around, scheduled activities, informal get togethers and clubs. Too, most destinations are readily accessible by golf cart.

I was happy to read 2BNTV has been able to satisfactorily maintain his longterm friendships. I fear losing some of mine if I move away. Of course, as he also mentions new friendships are waiting in TV!

My current situation is like that expressed by Bonnievie before she moved to TV, most of my friends are married and my social options are limited. They invite me over and we do some things together but I sometimes feel like a third or fifth wheel. I did not feel that way at all in TV, even among the married people I met.

[Halibut]

manaboutown, from what I know of you on TOTV, you're an inveterate raconteur and bon vivant. I would not hesitate to bet cash money that you would settle in and be leading the parades in no time. :)

[Bonnevie]

and your friends from where you live now can come and visit....if you have any doubts whey not rent for awhile?

[karengfw]

I relate to you all, coming here a widow and feeling so lost back home, 5th wheel, etc. Now I have options, a great home and great friends. This is a lifestyle worth moving to and a winner climate. I do stay indoors more in the hot humid summer but less than when I had to stay indoors to be warm up north. My fuel bills are WAY less as are my taxes. I miss my kids more but we talk, text and they come here escaping the cold.

Now I'm throwing parties to play games with friends and newbies. I could barely get the gang up north to play the occasional game of cards. This works for me and I bet you'd find plenty to do and like here also. When you come down, be sure to meet up with us ;-)

[luvmagic2]

Being single here in TV you do not have to feel like an outsider at all. There are so many single clubs and events that life here s a single is better to anywhere else .. And yes chachacha is a celebrity and works hard to make new singles feel welcomed and part of the community

[Pointer]

My daughter helped me drive down and move in to my new life in the Villages. When she was leaving she said it was like leaving me at collage. I remembered telling her that going away to school was going to be a blast, what other time in your life do you get to have everyone around you be your age and some of the new friends you make will be your friends for life. Little did I know that I would find a place where everyone was in my peer group and we'd all have the same things in common having moved here to enjoy an active life in warm weather and relative safety.We all look out for one an other and want to make the best of a community as we can. So come on down and join in.

[misky]

As a long time single now 72 years of age seriously considering relocating to The Villages I am curious about how singles now residing in TV feel about their lives in TV versus in their hometowns. Was it worth the move? How so?

What I have felt during several visits to TV is a warm sense of close (but not closed) community. Singles in TV not only frequently socialize but look after one another. Everyone has moved from somewhere else and seems to be open to meeting new people and developing new friendships. In my hometown social groups are pretty much long term and fixed in place. I have long term friendships but it can be difficult to develop many new ones other than by joining large church groups.

I am not asking for anything personal, just general thoughtful observations.

Thank you!

I've been up in the cold snowy north for the last three weeks for the Thanksgiving holiday. It's great to see my family and friends, but I can't wait to get back to TV. It's not just the weather, but my activities and catching up with all the people I know. The fact that I can't wait to get back
really shows what a great place TV is for a single person.

[eweissenbach]

I am not single, but if I were to suddenly become single, one of the first things I would do is move to TV. I can't think of anyplace which would offer a person of my age more opportunities for socialization and activity than TV, Fl.

[KathieI]

I am not single, but if I were to suddenly become single, one of the first things I would do is move to TV. I can't think of anyplace which would offer a person of my age more opportunities for socialization and activity than TV, Fl.

That is exactly why I left Los Angeles (which I loved) and moved to TV. After being married for 30 years, I wanted to have lots of opportunity to do things and meet people and that is exactly what I have done. I don't necessarily need to be around single people as I'm pretty outgoing and have fun with everyone. What I love the most is that I socialize with many married friends and have never felt like a 5th wheel. They accept me into all activities and I dance with the wives and husbands as well. I'm very happy I made the move, except I do miss the weather in SoCal.

[Sable99]

I am not single, but if I were to suddenly become single, one of the first things I would do is move to TV. I can't think of anyplace which would offer a person of my age more opportunities for socialization and activity than TV, Fl.

That is also why I want to move to TV so badly. I am single and there seems to be so much to do in TV that I am missing out on.

I worked in DC for 26 years. I retired and moved back home to Michigan about 9 years ago when my Dad's health started failing. Dad is gone now. Luckily, I still have DC/Virginia friends and Michigan friends from years ago but I feel lonely because those friends have their own lives. My married friends are busy with their families and my single friends are busy with their ailing parents.

Mom and I built our beautiful TV home in 2012 and rent it as a long-term rental. Mom is 90 and I think she would move to Florida if I really pushed it. But, I'm also responsible for my 86 year old aunt and my Dad's 85 year old cousin.

I've been working on Mom, my aunt and I becoming the Golden Girls. So far, it hasn't worked. But, I don't know what I would do with Dad's cousin as he doesn't have anyone else and I would feel guilty about leaving him alone.

[manaboutown]

To not be a downer I did not bring this up initially; my two closest nearly lifelong male friends passed away a few years ago. One I had known since the second grade. Obviously they can not be replaced and I do not expect or hope to do so. I know their widows miss them far more than I do. Furthermore, several other friends are ailing or challenged in one way or another. That is just the way it is within my age group and I accept it. My brother has had spinal issues that required him to stop playing tennis which he had done since age 10. Fortunately he can still play golf.

It feels my opportunities to make new friends near my age where I now live, although they are available, are few in number. Moreover, my friends and acquaintances are spread out over the Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego and Ventura County areas. It is not very easy to visit and spend time with them. People in SoCal seem to move around a lot within the area.

It felt like during the two months total time over three visits I was able to spend in TV that it was easy to meet people with whom I enjoyed spending time, there was plenty to do and everything was convenient. Those are major upsides as I see things today.

Like KathieI I would sure miss the Southern California weather though. I consider it to be the best in the world. But it might be worth it to have a great social life right at my front door, so to speak.

[dbussone]

To not be a downer I did not bring this up initially; my two closest nearly lifelong male friends passed away a few years ago. One I had known since the second grade. Obviously they can not be replaced and I do not expect or hope to do so. I know their widows miss them far more than I do. Furthermore, several other friends are ailing or challenged in one way or another. That is just the way it is within my age group and I accept it. My brother has had spinal issues that required him to stop playing tennis which he had done since age 10. Fortunately he can still play golf.

It feels my opportunities to make new friends near my age where I now live, although they are available, are few in number. Moreover, my friends and acquaintances are spread out over the Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego and Ventura County areas. It is not very easy to visit and spend time with them. People in SoCal seem to move around a lot within the area.

It felt like during the two months total time over three visits I was able to spend in TV that it was easy to meet people with whom I enjoyed spending time, there was plenty to do and everything was convenient. Those are major upsides as I see things today.

Like KathieI I would sure miss the Southern California weather though. I consider it to be the best in the world. But it might be worth it to have a great social life right at my front door, so to speak.

I'm married and have both married and single friends. The folks I know are open to friends of both varieties. I know my single friends participate in the large number of available single events, as well as those open to all. You won't have trouble making friends or finding things to do. Quite honestly, your biggest problem will be narrowing down the things you want to do.

[manaboutown]

Nice article about singles in The Villages in the 12/5/14 Daily Sun - internet version. I was surprised by the large number of singles in TV and surrounding towns according to that article.

Clearly, singles have much to occupy their time in The Villages!

[graciegirl]

I'm married and have both married and single friends. The folks I know are open to friends of both varieties. I know my single friends participate in the large number of available single events, as well as those open to all. You won't have trouble making friends or finding things to do. Quite honestly, your biggest problem will be narrowing down the things you want to do.

I so agree. We have many single friends and I just don't think of them differently. We need to encourage friendship of like minded people.

But, I wish someone would be a good match maker, like Yenta, so that anyone who wants a partner can find one that would make them smile and be their comforting other half.

[dbussone]

I so agree. We have many single friends and I just don't think of them differently. We need to encourage friendship of like minded people.

But, I wish someone would be a good match maker, like Yenta, so that anyone who wants a partner can find one that would make them smile and be their comforting other half.


Perhaps we should put together a business model...let's see, we could call it "It's Only Pickle Ball."

[Wandatime]

Doggone it, Manaboutown, get your SoCal hiney down here so we can have you over for dinner!

[manaboutown]

Thank you for your kind invitation Wanda. When I return to TV I will most definitely take you up on it!

[8bobuk]

Where and when do the singles meet ?

[chachacha]

there are several official singles groups which you can find in the rec news, but our Unclub here on this site does not have regular meetings....if someone contacts us to say they are coming to the villages as a single or have recently moved here, we try to arrange a Meet and Greet of some sort to help them meet friends and fill their social calendar....please pm me if you are here and i will let you know of some of the small get togethers we have planned in the next few weeks....everyone is invited to the dec 27 holiday party, for example! hope to meet you!

[Madelaine Amee]

there are several official singles groups which you can find in the rec news, but our Unclub here on this site does not have regular meetings....if someone contacts us to say they are coming to the villages as a single or have recently moved here, we try to arrange a Meet and Greet of some sort to help them meet friends and fill their social calendar....please pm me if you are here and i will let you know of some of the small get togethers we have planned in the next few weeks....everyone is invited to the dec 27 holiday party, for example! hope to meet you!

I was in my yard yesterday when my new neighbor walked over and introduced himself ........... he is a long time widower and was asking about single ladies. I told him TV has the best looking single ladies and the singles do more things than you would imagine. He is not full time yet, but he was much relieved to hear that there was life after retirement!

[chachacha]

great! i hope you told him about our thread. i really think the great majority of villagers have never even heard of this website!! we need to spread the word! :) and also about the facebook page for Villages Single Seniors!

[PhillyJC]

Chachacha, I have no idea why anyone would say they couldn't understand your post! I am brand new to this site and a new homeowner but not yet resident and what I see in you is the epitome of the spirit of The Villages! Your efforts are as welcoming as your smile and you have already been a big help to me. And of course you are a celebrity - the Royal Hostess of TV and we are all better for it!

[chachacha]

well, thank you so much for those kind words...look forward to welcoming you when you next come to visit. i love my job as royal hostess :) even though i don't get paid! just love getting folks together!

[jblum315]

One advantage to being single with your own house in TV?

Loads of closet space!!

[Bay Kid]

Golf whenever and as often as you want!

[manaboutown]

One advantage to being single with your own house in TV?

Loads of closet space!!

And one can set the thermostat wherever one desires.

[Veronica]

ChaX3 is a TV star and so very nice and welcoming to all newcomers. She was the first person I met when I first visited there and she went out of her way to introduce me to folks. I am moving to TV in Feb. and I often say to myself "Thank God Cha is there. At least I know someone."

[manaboutown]

Are there any single snowbirds?

I am following Joe's (2BNTV) thread about not being able to bring off campus dates to events. Anybody else experiencing that difficulty?

[KathieI]

Are there any single snowbirds?

I am following Joe's (2BNTV) thread about not being able to bring off campus dates to events. Anybody else experiencing that difficulty?

Since I don't "date" because I love my single life, I haven't had this problem. Also, where I usually go for entertainment, you don't need a Village card to get in. Most of my entertainment is at restaurants that have music and dancing and its only at rec centers where you need a village card. But I want to make another point about single life here, I was really concerned this year that the holidays were going to be upsetting for me being a single person amongst all my married friends. Well, it wasn't at all. I went to parties galore and never felt like a fifth wheel, always welcomed by my friends and never felt "left out". That is the best part of living here, you can do what you want, when you want and with whom you want. Its just the best.

[rubicon]

My first love is my greatest love and will be my last love. so if fate deals me a hard blow I have already let it be known to my wife and kids that I would never marry again.

My daughter is single lives in Westchester County and has many friends both single and married and many places to go.

My brother was single for many years and traveled the world, partied hardy nightly, remarried and enjoys a very social life.

What I am saying is you can be almost anywhere and enjoy an active life its your personal choice.

The Villages has many and varied interests and attractions to keep us all entertained . The majority of people here are fun loving and approachable and indeed we are all blessed

[chachacha]

we have discussed this issue many times, and obviously people who are not dating are not affected by it at all....but singles who want to enjoy their amenites with the person they are dating are often denied this simple joy. true, there are many places, fortunately, where anyone can participate, such as country clubs and restaurants and movie theatres...but if you want to play cards or see a play at Lake Miona or attend a club meeting or dance, your dates are limited to villagers or someone who lives more than fifty miles away, which is not likely. the simplest solution is a companion pass to be held by the single resident and used for their dates only when accompanied by them.
personally i am sick of talking about this but would very much appreciate anyone with the patience to pursue the issue lighting the fire under the singles community. :)

[Motorhome Mama]

Yes, TV is a great place to be a "senior" single. One of my friends (age 60) just said yesterday that outside of TV, she feels "old" but in TV, she feels "young"!

[lbertoni]

[QUOTE=chachacha;973521]well, i came to a realization this summer while visiting my daughter and family....there i am grandma, the old person....here i am chachacha, a "hot chick" by our standards :) i feel like i am still leading an active and relevant life. heck, Maybe even thought i was a celebrity! i am sure every person our age can appreciate being among peers no matter what their interests happen to be.

[lbertoni]

My sister and I just bought a house together. We are, at this stage in our lives, single. If I was home in Jersey alone I would be staying in the house trying to keep warm. I look forward to getting involved and meeting lots of new people, especially those who are single and very young minded. I also know that I will feel comfortable doing things on my own here. Just remember, "Don't look back, you're not going in that direction". Lorraine

[simpkinp]

There is indeed a problem for singles who may meet a "local"non-villager who cannot attend social and club event with them. Luckily my BF is a Villager still, this is an unfair policy for a single here. We should be able to get one pass for a significant other regardless of the county in which they live.

[manaboutown]

There is indeed a problem for singles who may meet a "local"non-villager who cannot attend social and club event with them. Luckily my BF is a Villager still, this is an unfair policy for a single here. We should be able to get one pass for a significant other regardless of the county in which they live.

This is a major concern to me.:agree:

[chachacha]

i suggest all newbies mention this to their sales associates as a detriment. once a year there is a meeting where about four years ago we presented a petition with about four hundred signatures but were told it had already been discussed that year so come back again next year...i am just tired of it...we need an activist! any volunteers?

[lbertoni]

Where did you meet him?

[manaboutown]

Would anybody hazard a guess on the ratio of single men to single women in The Villages?

[manaboutown]

During my three visits several singles informed me that the practice in The Villages was to request and obtain separate checks. Perhaps the bars and restaurants in TV are familiar with and accepting of this practice. In most places they want to give one check to the whole table. Period.

[nataliefoeller]

I returned this winter as a new widow. My husband and I have been snowbirds here for 4 years. I really wondered if I would enjoy TV as a single 52 year old woman. Although it is most certainly different, I can say single life here is much fuller and kinder to us than I think it is almost anywhere else. I have not attended any "singles" activities yet but am gearing up to take that plunge. Fortunately, I do have single friends to go to the movies, play a game of golf or pickleball with. I highly recommend TV as a single person and as a snowbird!

[chachacha]

welcome, natalie....my sincerest condolences on the loss of your husband. you will be very welcome to join any of us when you are ready, and many of us, myself included, understand the devastation of grief....but you WILL have a happy life again although it may seem impossible now. i hope you will decide to attend our Meet and Greet on feb 20 at three thirty in lake sumter landing square...friendship available :)

[rpicker04]

Very nicely said Miss ChaChaCha. My condolences to Natalie as well. She will be welcomed by everyone we know with open arms.

[lbertoni]

You are very correct. We saw you chachacha at the piano bar. We are all still young.

[tekcormn]

I am single and moving to TV in April. Would like to join some singles groups.
Send me the information.

[chachacha]

check out the recreation news when you arrive for the regular clubs, which are many and varied...as for our "unclub", just watch this forum or better yet post that you are here and what you would like to do, a movie, lunch, golf etc and see what happens...we would be happy to do another meet and greet when you are here! the last one had about twenty five happy folks....let us know!

[folkh]

I became a widower in 2014, I now will moving to our home single. hope to have the opportunity to meet everyone in June when I get there. Thank you all, everyone seems so welcoming!!

[kittygilchrist]

I became a widower in 2014, I now will moving to our home single. hope to have the opportunity to meet everyone in June when I get there. Thank you all, everyone seems so welcoming!!

It is very welcoming and unlonely.

[lbertoni]

I know exactly how you feel. I moved here to the villages and look forward to meeting new people. When you are here let me know. We can meet in Sumter Landing. Lorraine

[folkh]

Will do, THANKS!!!!!

[capecoralbill]

Who / where do I get a companion pass? Thankyou for your time. Bill

[kittygilchrist]

Bill, what are you asking? Have not heard of....

[maybe]

"Guest IDs" are obtained at certain major Rec Centers.

[manaboutown]

Any TV singles feel the need to do any OLD or do you meet enough potential dating partners IRL?

[pivo]

Manaboutown--You have been here 3 times and you have over 12 hundred post and
your still asking questions.

time for me to make a drink

[hulahips]

All the support groups for singles, activities, etc

[manaboutown]

After checking a few on line dating sites it seems quite a few women residing in The Villages have profiles posted. I did not check for men's profiles.

Anyone in The Villages having success with OLD?

[lbertoni]

Hi Bob, I have been on POF but would prefer to meet someone by chance. When you are back in The Villages let's meet. Lorraine

[SALYBOW]

I think it might be easier for a man than a woman, since they say the ratio of single women to men is 19-1. I have a friend who is attractive, funny, fun to be with but she cannot seem to find a niche in TV. I am hoping to help her because I dread losing her as a friend. Any pointers I could give her?

[lbertoni]

There is no magic answer. I have met many nice people but unfortunately the spark is usually missing or we just were not meant to be a fit. I know that the chance of meeting someone will be greater the more I participate and stay active. The weather and the activities here in the Villages give us lots of opportunities to meet new people. I will not stop looking to meet someone or have another person in my life I can call a friend.

[manaboutown]

I think it might be easier for a man than a woman, since they say the ratio of single women to men is 19-1. I have a friend who is attractive, funny, fun to be with but she cannot seem to find a niche in TV. I am hoping to help her because I dread losing her as a friend. Any pointers I could give her?

IMHO it takes at least a year to adjust to living in a new area. The important thing is to get out and meet people and make some new friends. That is difficult but having moved several times during my lifetime i have found it must be done. In TV it is far easier than in most communities. In my time there I connected with far more folks than I could have in most places.

A 19-1 f/m ratio seems way over the top to me. Based on the time I have spent in TV it might be 5-3 at most. Women tend to get out more and go places with groups of their friends so it may appear there are far more women than men but the census results show otherwise. Of course women statistically outlive men so that does have a bearing on the f/m ratio as one ages.

[maybe]

Our TOTV "Queen" , cha cha cha, should be back in a week or so as I recall, and then I'll schedule a combo welcome back, and meet and greet for newer singles, event.

[kittygilchrist]

Hola from Argentina...

[manaboutown]

Hola from Argentina...

Feliz Pascua, Kitty.