I can't wait to leave The Villages
 

Yesterday, I was standing talking to a group of men that I had never met before when one asked me how long I had been in The Villages. 3 months I replied adding that my wife and I really enjoyed it here. One of the men loudly stated " I have been here 9 years and if my house ever sells I will be gone." He followed that immediately with "This place has nothing to do with the reality of the real world and I want the H++l out of here." Well, silence was obvious over the group and as I thought about what he said for about 15 seconds, I said in an almost questioning tone "We moved here and enjoy this place because of the reality of the real world." I guess the questioning tone to my statement was there as I was questioning whether we had made the right decision for us.

Now this morning, still thinking of the strange conversation, I still feel the statement I said reflects my feelings. My wife and I spent our lives in many different places around the world to include my 22 years military service. Now understand, we are not trying to escape the Real World, but at our age, our contributions to the real world and simply because we do love this place, I cannot accept that we are being less than genuine in our choice of location for retirement. I also do not feel that we are fleeing responsibility to the real world for living here.

There is no point or moral to this post, just to say that we as a couple feel this is right for us.

I totally agree with you Lou. TV is the world in my view as it should be.

Army Guy

The guy has a point -- TV is nothing like most of the world. That's why we chose it. We've not turned our back on the outside world. If we had, there would be no volunteers here, no willingness to help others, no political discussions. Most of us have paid our dues plus some.

Like almost everyone else in the U.S., we have the right to choose where we want to live. Our choice is a community that gives back to others; has activities for everyone; a place where people smile because their world is right. That's not a bad thing, just not for everyone.

Here's hoping that man sells his home quickly and finds a place more to his liking. For me, I'll take living in this wonderful little bubble. It suits my needs perectly.

I wish him luck selling his house and hope it happens really fast!

Good point about volunteers Red. I think I read somewhere that the Villages hospital (TVRH) has the highest volunteer to patient ratio in the country. So I guess that guy is right, TV is not the real world. Good for us.

I frequently see the term "inside the bubble" used here.

Our world is real
 

we just choose to make it real pleasant. It's real, real people live here and do real stuff. Sorry I don't get why people think it is so unreal or in a bubble. It's just a time in our live to sit back and contemplate and maybe be a more pleasant person.

There is some truth to TV being like a Disneyland for Seniors..but, that's why we came here. We can go OUT into the world anytime we want to. This is a safe place to have our home and when we go "out into the world", we know that our abode sits beautifully there waiting for our return. I guess that's why people have two homes. They can return to their hometown, visit with the grandkids and be in "the real world" and then come back here to enjoy the beautiful, manicured areas that our ammenity fees take care of. If we had bought a condo in Minneapolis, our homeowner fees could have been $200 - $500. No thanks. I'm happy here in our island. :wave:

What Redwitch said.

What Redwitch said too!!

I can hardly wait to live in TV. I long for a peaceful and dynamic life by my choosing.

J

Good for you Lou that his unhappiness didn't affect the way you think and the decision you made.

"People are as happy as they make up their minds to be " - Abraham Lincoln

IMHO - TV is a place that has many happy, caring people who are willing to help others and want to enjoy their remaining days. It feels like stepping back in time to a gentler world.
Where a person chooses to live is their own business. I will choose to move to TV.

On The Way Out
 

Tell this guy not to let the door hit him the a$$ on the way out. No one has him tied up.

I bet this guy is one of the Grumpies (as I call them) There are a few here--thank goodness not many. He will not be happy no matter where he lives. It's just his nature.
You know the type.

We visited for the first time 4 years ago. When I walked onto the Square, I knew I was "home". We have been here a year and I still feel the same way.

The Villages isn't perfect, but darn near!!

And what is so wonderful about the "real world" ???:

I had a lifelong friend who decided she wanted nothing more to do with me after a 58 year friendship. Her reasoning was that TV was nothing but a fantasy land full of" brain dead space cadets! "(her exact words)

I believe the Villages is place where people are constantly helping others in one way or another. Every day the paper is full of articles about volunteers raising money and helping charitable organizations in and around TV. We just believe in having some enjoyment while doing it. I feel truly blessed to have found this wonderful place to live out our golden years.

I have a first cousin who would never leave the Bronx, NY because that is "the real world" and mocks the fact that Rudy Giuliani cleaned up Time Square because the pornos, hookers and street freaks were the "real Times Square" and gave the place its character.
He can keep the real world and I'll watch it from here. I'll be on the front nine if you want to continue this conversation :)

My only comment to him from the streets of Brooklyn, NY is

"don't let the door hit you in the a**"

This person's feelings could apply to any town, city, etc.

I know pople who do not like living in our little town due to high taxes, proximity to shopping and a variety of reasons. As others have said I hope he finds someplace that he likes.

Glad to hear you and your wife are happy with your decision. That's the important thing.

Different reality!
 

The fellow quote in the 1st post has a very different reality than I do!
He will be himself wherever he is, just because he is there.

I live in the “real world” wherever I am.

I know how I live up north and how I live here. I find that the lifestyle here will keep me younger longer, keep me happier longer, and keep me alive longer.

Ditto, Redwitch and all the rest of you great folks. :thumbup:

Maybe he is correct ---TV might not be the real world :shrug:

But maybe we would all be better off if the real world was TV:clap2:

Cant wait to get there ---10/27 :pepper2:

choosing not to dwell on all the unhappiness and grief that is in the world is not a bad thing and is a personal choice. People in the Villages are fully aware of everything that is going on in this world. They have just made a choice to try and live a good life with a cheerful outlook.

all grumps need to give a great deal of thought before moving to TV. pessimism and nastiness will not be tolerated!!!

What is "the real world"? The real world that I left was one of suburban America where neighbors did not really know each other, where being in a friendly neighborhood meant that they would wave to each other as they drove by. If somebody up the street had a death in the family or a serious illness, you probably never knew about it, and if you did, you would just say some platitude like, "Oh, that's too bad".

Contrast that with my TV neighborhood where I know and regularly socialize with many more neighbors than I even knew the names of in my old "real world". In my new real world, neighbors not only know of life's tragedies that hit the neighborhood, but go out of their way to express condolances and chip in for memorials/flowers. On the other side of the sad events are the happy events of kids getting married or grandkids being born. The neighbors are there to help celebrate those times as well.

So, which "real world" one lives in is his/her choice: the insular real world of most of the rest of America or the real world of neighbors caring for their fellow neighbors. I'll take the latter. I'd say that those who choose the former may be doing so to really escape the real world - the real world of sharing life's joys and sadness within your community.

You will learn as we have that there are some people (in EVERY group) that no one can satisfy and go thru life being miserable. We too have come here to "escape" the Real World and it's miserable and rude people and have (on the most part) found that The Villages has some very nice courteous and delightful people. Then again.... I (we) try to overlook the jackass people that make the "Real" world a place that is only getting worse with it's spiteful and bitter people. Welcome as we appreciate you and commend you for sharing your ( + ) positive attitude. If more people were like you then we would have no problem with the "others". :BigApplause:

The Villages can be a lonely place for the ardent Democrat.
 

Maybe, these grumps are hardcore Democrats who feel really lonely!


I am a Democrat and really like the Villages even if it is a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of life in some of out bigger cities with their pollution, crime, traffic, politics, and the like.

I have met some Democrats though who really feel out of place with the Villages. I just keep my mouth shut for the most part when the discussions get to God or politics. Except on TOTV that is.

Nice post NJblue. It is so true about losing community spirit now a days. People ask what I'm running away from. I tell them I am not running away, I am running to a better life.
If people did not look for a better life, we all would be on the East coast and there would never have been a wild west.

As for politics: I get my fill online and rarely talk about it in real life. I especially avoid the subject on family get togethers. Life is too short.

The real world is too scary for me anymore.

How I agree with NJblue!

In my five-plus years here I haven't met even one grouch! I have, on the other hand, met a small handful of folks who "hate" TV.

The grouches should never have settled in. Those who "hate" it aren't even trying!

In my many travels, I spend a lot of time trying to persuade skeptics that TV is "paradise." Most of them have a hard time believing me, but I have managed to convince a few to come and partake of our joys!

SWR
:beer3:

Real World
 

If the real world was like The Villages, IT WOULD BE A MUCH BETTER WORLD!!:clap2:

Amen, Sista! :agree:

Maybe the guy is a "grouch" and will be unhappy anywhere he goes. On the other hand, maybe TV truly is not his cup of tea, and he is otherwise a happy well-adjusted person. TV is paradise for many, including me, but it is not for everyone, and to presume this guy is a grump or a bad person for stating his opinion is rather narrow-minded. Hopefully he sells to someone looking for what TV has to offer and he finds happiness elsewhere; a win-win.

:agree:

Yes, TV feels like a bubble to me. I get that. But what is it about TV that so offends some people in the so-called "real world".

I seriously would like to understand. I don't believe that Nonie's former friend is alone in believing "that TV was nothing but a fantasy land full of 'brain dead space cadets'". But why?

There are plenty of gated communities all across America, often with more expensive housing, private security and less access to "the outside world".

Florida alone is awash in gated, retirement communities where no children live-- communities full of wealthier (on average) people whose lifestyles also could be described as living on a permanent resort vacation.

But these communities do not draw as much hostile attention and resentment as TV does. So, I do think it goes beyond jealously.

But from what spring does the resentment "bubble"?

:agree:

I believe that each of us was born with a different social orientation. There are extroverts and introverts, shy and outgoing, verbal or quiet.

I think that The Villages draw people who very much enjoy interacting with other people.

I suspect that people who like to muse about things far away from the madding crowd aren't going to like it here so much.

It takes all kinds to make a world.

I just wish that if this place isn't what they would choose, that they wouldn't be so critical of us who love it.

I think some people just don't like others to be having a good time.

And that is sad.

Wow, interesting conversation.

Well, I have several more years before retirement and we chose The Villages because it is the perfect lifestyle, retired or not. I have a great job, love our house and everyone we have met has been so helpful and kind. Is it a bubble, I suppose it depends on how one defines the word, but if it is, I sure hope it doesn't burst anytime soon. We all contribute to this wonderful community and let it continue.

To each his own and hopefully the gentleman will sell his home soon and find his paradise, whatever and wherever that may be. It's great we have choices.....

Well said Dee! :agree:

Hey

I'm a Democrate and I love the concept of TV. I won't keep my mouth shut because I believe it's so okay to have an opinion and still be friends, hopefully. The life in TV will be some truly quality problems. I can hardly wait to there.

Life is so grand. It's all about perception and how I perceive this world.

J

Don't want to get into politics but...

Why is it "I'm a Democrat or I'm a Republican" - Why isn't it just "This is my opinion on this matter"?

I don't understand why being either (or other) is any more of a concern than anywhere else. Do people really sit around and discuss their political concerns that much? I'd rather talk about you or your issues or your golf game or your grandchildren or what fun TV thing we are going to do next.

Pturner, I wonder if TV isn't somewhat unique in terms of the level of positive discourse that comes from TV Frogs, Snowbirds, and wannabees. We have looked at a few other communities over the years, and they all tout their own horns pretty well, but it's the developers doing all the touting, not the residents! TV seems unique in this regard. Just look at this forum! I've never seen anything like it for other communities, although that may exist and I just haven't seen it. So, it would not surprise me that when thousands of people are going around saying things like "This is the best place I've ever seen" and "I can't wait to move there", others who have not experienced a visit, and perhaps who see these statements as a denigration of their current towns, would react more negatively than usual. I know of a number of people in our current community who have heard of TV, but have really only experienced any information about TV from those of us who are sold on the idea already or from "Leisureville" (from which they can all only quote that one infamous statistic). I get the feeling that they are of a mind that it sounds too good to be true, therefore it can't be true, and without the direct expereince, they refuse to believe it, and therefore are as adamant in their negative comments as we are in our positive ones. JMHO.

B.

Sounds like you may have run into Andrew Blechman.:duck:

I think this might be a case of this person being a contrarian. You know, get in a group of people, and no matter what the subject, take the opposite view to stir a reaction and bring attention to themselves. We all know that TV isn't perfect, but for the vast majority of us, myself included, it's perfect for us. Just take a look at TOTV. 99.9999999999999% of the posts and posters and positive and are helpful and informative.But every once in a while you'll get someone who tries to tell us how naive and foolish we are for living the lifestyle and believing in the place, even though they have spent little or no time in TV. If there's a problem, I think it should be discussed and not swept under the rug, but not to just stir up a hornets nest and try to make people uneasy. I think we owe it to our selves to listen other opinions, but take them for what their worth.