[rochellepfaff]

Originally Posted by Freehiker

I wave at every person I see when I riding on the golf cart, even though 98% do not wave back.

While they may have forgotten that they are fortunate to live in such a beautiful place and decide to be cranky old farts (COF) instead, I have not and refuse to let them ruin my good time.

I walk every morning and many golf carts pass by. Some people do wave, but often, it's right as they are passing. It's too late to wave back. And sometimes, I'm just not looking at the cart, so I have no idea if they waved. Most of the time, if the sun is in my eyes, which if often is as it is just coming up, I cannot see into the cart, and have no idea if they waved. So if I don't wave back, it is not because I'm unfriendly. It's becasue I didn't know you waved, or it was too late to respond.

[Greg Evans]

They have moved here from NY and are bringing their rudeness with them

[nick demis]

Before we moved here and after the start of covid, my wife used to think I was nuts when I would talk to people, especially the workers in the supermarket. All the workers appreciated it and most of the shoppers seemed to perk up. Moving here it seems that the people IN the Villages are friendly but as soon as you go outside, people are like they were up north.

[La lamy]

Originally Posted by EdFNJ

Maybe some have other things on their mind more important at that moment than waving at a stranger?

Maybe they didn't see you waving? Or maybe their arm got tired at waving at the last 30 passing carts. Or maybe they thought you were waving at someone else? Everyone doesn't constantly stare into incoming golf cart windows seeing how people are reacting to them. We walk every morning and occasionally miss returning a wave here or there because we are looking at he golf course or flowers or birds "in such a beautiful place" so don't take it personally or judge people simply by the lack of a wave. Best place to be if you want your wave returned 100% of the time is Disney. People aren't always going to be paying attention to your golf cart when they are walking or running or looking at nature. If maybe I was one who forgot to wave to you this morning here is a few free waves:

You bring up some good points.

[CaptainMeso]

Welcome to mid-west meets New York and California. I’ll say hi to you La Lamy and do so to everyone else. If they want to be unfriendly so be it not going to change my attitude.

[Blackbird45]

I'm a New Yorker and I find the people here very friendly in comparison. It actually took me a while to get use to people waving as I drove by or smiling as a walk pass them. You have to remember the Villages have people from all over the country. Please don't take it personably

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

One Sunday morning, I was picking up my mail. A woman was having trouble getting a newspaper from the machine, so I asked if I could help. She said she had only brought 3 quarters and a nickel. But, when I said that I would be happy to give her a quarter, she replied, "Oh no, I'll walk home and get my own quarter". I thought that was pretty rude.

Your wife is a proud woman.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by La lamy

I've been wondering lately why some people choose not to smile or say hello when crossing others on the street or a walking trail. I'm not sure if it's because I was born in a small town, but I love spreading cheer whenever I can. When I was in a big city for decades I didn't expect it, but love the TV village I'm in because so many people like to say hello. In my new northern summer home (125,000 population) I find there's some people who choose not to acknowledge my boyfriend and I when we are on a walk which feels so weird. What's your experience? Is what our parents teach us "don't speak to strangers" continue into adulthood for some of you, or do you prefer saying hello whenever you can?

Maybe it's your smile.

[forebubba]

Originally Posted by La lamy

I've been wondering lately why some people choose not to smile or say hello when crossing others on the street or a walking trail. I'm not sure if it's because I was born in a small town, but I love spreading cheer whenever I can. When I was in a big city for decades I didn't expect it, but love the TV village I'm in because so many people like to say hello. In my new northern summer home (125,000 population) I find there's some people who choose not to acknowledge my boyfriend and I when we are on a walk which feels so weird. What's your experience? Is what our parents teach us "don't speak to strangers" continue into adulthood for some of you, or do you prefer saying hello whenever you can?

Moved permanently here in 2008. We had been visiting my in laws since 2001. It was the friendliest home town when everyone greeted everyone in passing. Sadly this is no longer the case because a small percentage of people take their sence of entertainment too far. Some are just miserable people. I just smile to myself if they don't respond to a friendly greeting of wave.
Enjoy your life.

[G.R.I.T.S.]

Originally Posted by La lamy

I've been wondering lately why some people choose not to smile or say hello when crossing others on the street or a walking trail. I'm not sure if it's because I was born in a small town, but I love spreading cheer whenever I can. When I was in a big city for decades I didn't expect it, but love the TV village I'm in because so many people like to say hello. In my new northern summer home (125,000 population) I find there's some people who choose not to acknowledge my boyfriend and I when we are on a walk which feels so weird. What's your experience? Is what our parents teach us "don't speak to strangers" continue into adulthood for some of you, or do you prefer saying hello whenever you can?

I would add being southern helps. I was told not to be a knot on a log.

[Mrodmh]

If you expect to be thanked, don’t do it.

[Mrodmh]

Originally Posted by ROCKMUP

I say Hi/Hello to everyone, I don't care if they reply.

Only time I get the red arse is when I hold the door for someone and they can't be bothered to say thanks. This will cause me to loudly say "You're welcome" and then go about my day.

Don't let people live rent free in your head, you do you.

If you expect to be thanked, don’t do it. Saying “you’re welcome” in a passive aggressive way is completely immature.

[graciegirl]

I enjoyed reading these responses. I find it reassuring to know that most people are friendly and most are kind. Maybe because in life we learn to dismiss and walk away from those who aren't.

I think people who choose to come here, and we all did, are automatically not choosing high rises and places that make you a little more isolated.

I don't know why. I know that people who want the warmth of friendship will find it here and perhaps they would find it most anywhere.

I don't know if we are the friendliest home town, but opportunities abound and nice caring people are everywhere.

Good Morning!

[Two Bills]

Originally Posted by Eileenrush

This poem came to mind

Smiling is Infectious
By: Spike Milligan

Smiling is Infectious
You catch it like the flu
When someone smiled at me today
I started smiling too

I passed around the corner
And someone saw my grin
When he smiled I realized
I had passed it on to him

I thought about that smile
Then I realized it’s worth
A single smile just like mine
Could travel round the earth

So if you feel a smile begin
Don’t leave it undetected
Let’s start an epidemic quick
And get the world infected

Spike Milligan was a comedian and suffered badly from depression due to bipolar disorder, and also a hypocondriac.
He died aged 84.
His grave stone bears the great line.

'I told you I was ill'

[kendi]

There are many reasons why someone won’t respond to another’s greeting. I greet others because I enjoy being friendly. How they respond or not is not my business and I don’t give it a second thought.