[cj1040]

It varies...most people from big cities or especially up north do not acknowledge strangers...think walking in NYC etc. That continues after they move and some people are just not that friendly!

[butlerism]

Yes and Yes.

It was our parents training and some people are just locked up for whatever reasons.

I say hello to everyone, even stop and talk. After all this is The Villages.

As a former military Officer we were instructed to convey the greeting of the day.

That could be serious or funny.
Always be armed with a quick diddy to pull a giggle

Funny lines are always good starters.... like if you see a couple...

1- " You let him out with that shirt on"
2- " You two make such a sweet couple, A couple of what... I don't know"
3- " Someone walking their Dog, ask Who is Waling who?"

Life is short Avoid the Mean people.
I can typically spot bad behaviors quickly, and avoid those peeps

[Ecuadog]

Originally Posted by Greg Evans

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

May I ask from where you brought your abundance of politeness?

[dtennent]

We moved from upstate NY in a rural area where everyone waved as they went by. When I am out walking, I try to wave and smile at all who pass by - especially those in golf carts driving into the sun. Want to make sure that they see me!

[Tim C.]

Like other things in TV, and something many of you might be familiar with, it "depends"

[roob1]

Don't you wish people would stop clumping together NYC and NY state? Upstate (Albany and north) and western NY are so different from NYC.

Originally Posted by dtennent

We moved from upstate NY in a rural area where everyone waved as they went by. When I am out walking, I try to wave and smile at all who pass by - especially those in golf carts driving into the sun. Want to make sure that they see me!

[EdFNJ]

Originally Posted by 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.

BINGO! The correct answer to this entire thread!

[Marjorie Hardman]

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 totally agree and do the same when I hold a door for someone and they can't be bothered to say "thank you".

[gbs317]

I consider myself a friendly person and like saying hello or waving or even a smile to everyone I meet. Now that being said if someone doesn’t return your greeting don’t let it worry you. You never know how one is feeling, as we get older maybe the aches are a little extra this day or we had a bit of bad news or simply he or she did not see you because their mind is on something else. Don’t let it get you down or upset just know that you have offered your smile or greeting in good faith. Never expect a greeting in return but if you get one, to me, that’s icing on the cake.

[Travelingal702]

I had just left a big meeting and was headed into a shop. A lady stopped me to tell me how "pretty" I looked. And remarked that, "....you're even wearing make-up". I took it all as a compliment and it really made my day! A few nice words can make a person's day and it certainly doesn't hurt the person making the compliments. Kindness goes a long way!

[MandoMan]

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?

Some people here are from places where smiling at people is uncommon, but many eventually unwind. I tend to smile at most people—or at least I think I do, though maybe they don’t recognize it as a smile. Most smile back. It makes life good. I here that in NYC people learn to avoid eye contact, but I don’t care. I try to make eye contact just for fun when I’m there—and to cheer them up a little.

[Barb.callow]

Loretta Bobette is her hero — BWAHAHAHAHA!!!!

[EdFNJ]

Originally Posted by gbs317

I consider myself a friendly person and like saying hello or waving or even a smile to everyone I meet. Now that being said if someone doesn’t return your greeting don’t let it worry you. You never know how one is feeling, as we get older maybe the aches are a little extra this day or we had a bit of bad news or simply he or she did not see you because their mind is on something else. Don’t let it get you down or upset just know that you have offered your smile or greeting in good faith. Never expect a greeting in return but if you get one, to me, that’s icing on the cake.

Exactly. Evidently some folks are so needy for recognition they take it personally when they aren't "thanked" for being friendly.

[lstevenson1470]

I almost always smile and say "good morning" or "hi" to people here in The Villages and other places. It makes me happy, especially when they respond in-kind. The worst thing that happens is when someone lonely proceeds to tell me their life story. It is a small price to pay for making someone else happy for a few minutes.

[KRMACK55]

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?

TV is not Florida’s friendliest hometown. I lived in a small town in Michigan and we are met each other helped each other and when I bought my designer house I thought it was the same. It is not even close. My neighbors do not wave or check on each other however those who have doggies I’ve
Noticed are very friendly. Having had a fractured wrist and other things here it helped me to clarify that this not where I want to spend the next 30 years. It’s too big, corporate and artificial.