[ssmith]

Seems to me that there is probably a combination of many factors contributing to the feeling the OP had suggested. Size, getting older and not feeling well etc. Also I had thought about the young ones who have bought early and still have jobs in another location so rent out the place. Another thought is that us young uns are, to my regret, of the ''me' generation....you know, where I am the center of the universse and everything evolves around me and my happiness and you better not get in my way. I sure hope TV will be a great cure for the 'me-ism' disease of us young whipper-snappers .


I personally have thought the place to be very friendly and hope it stays that way.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by nitehawk

When I first came to TV I could not believe - it really was the friendliest place to live. In the last 8 years I have seen a change - maybe its me or a generation gap but I don't think the quality of the new people, quality is the wrong word but I dont know the right word for what I am trying to say. I find it hard to explain - but things are changing and not for the better - maybe its me.

I just dont feel that friendliness I used to. I was trying to think what could cause this change - is it where the new people are coming from, what area maybe?

Originally Posted by Bettiboop

I've wondered if maybe it has something to do with the fact that it has grown so much. I'm not saying people aren't still friendly - I haven't noticed that so much - but it does seem to have lost a bit of the small town feel that is/was what attracted so many to begin with.

Originally Posted by Graytop

After you live here a while some of The Villages Kool Aid will wear off. Don't get me wrong, this is a GREAT place to live, ....and most of the people you meet here are vey nice.

Originally Posted by MelZ

Are you saying there are "no rude homeowners"? Sure pride of ownership is important but why do we still need deed restrictions?

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.

[Graytop]

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.

Barefoot,

I've just fallen in love with you for your thoughtful & poignant post...

Excellent observations,...I found myself connecting with almost everything you said in there,.... I guess I'm being overly sentimental here,....I was moved!

[Happinow]

Barefoot, it makes perfect sense to me. Maybe after the novelty wears off everything doesn't look so rosy. But my guess is it's the most perfect place you'll ever live and will find your nitch in what ever you choose to do or not to do. Ya the squares are fun at first then you get tired of the crowds and music, the shopping is fun but after a while how much can you shop? You have parties, friends over but then you decide you're not into that any more. So what's left? The friends you make and the beautiful house you've chosen, be it new or pre owned. Make sure you pick what's right for you because in the end it will be your sanctuary. Every place you live has it's pros and cons but TV 's pros far outweigh the cons. Enjoy your life in the closest thing to paradise.

[nitehawk]

Thank You Barefoot --- You said it perfectly

[Barefoot]

Graytop, Nitehawk & Happinow ... I appreciate your comments. Thank you!

[Bettiboop]

Well said, Bare! Perfect analogy!!

I'm not living in TV yet, but I think I have gone through stage I and II just from visiting there and following the message boards over the years. I'm a little bit jealous that I didn't get to experience all of it in person though

I'm into stage III now and starting to see and hear about things that give me cause for concern but nothing yet to give me reason to change my mind about moving there. I don't expect perfect...no place is perfect.

I wish hubby was ready to retire now! A bit of me is afraid I will hear something that will change my mind before I even have a chance to get there.

Maybe I should quit reading the forum...just kiddin'

Appreciate your input as always, Bare!

[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.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by kathy and al

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.

Thank you all for your kind posts, and for taking my comments in the spirit in which they were written. I was very hesitant to post my comments, hoping that they wouldn't be thought to be negative. I was preparing myself for a barrage of rotten tomatoes. So I very much appreciate your positive and very kind feedback.

[jackz]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

Thank you all for your kind posts, and for taking my comments in the spirit in which they were written. I was very hesitant to post my comments, hoping that they wouldn't be thought to be negative. I was preparing myself for a barrage of rotten tomatoes. So I very much appreciate your positive and very kind feedback.

Bare keep on publishing. Your thoughts and analogy were right on....

[l2ridehd]

Perfect Bare. Very well done, very accurate and when we think about our own Villages journey it really flows true. Friends are always the long term goal we should have, and to enjoy those friends as much as possible. That's why I am so glad I finally met you.

[ewstanley]

I also agree with Barefoot on this subject. Bare has been around a long time and knows what she is talking about. I always find her posts very enlightening.

[lightworker888]

You put it all in perspective and hit the nails on the head, as you usually do. Look forward to seeing you in March.

BTW You missed the snowstorm of the season this week end in our part of Ontario! Don't know if it made it up to your part. We made a trip to Newmarket today and my son-in-law hit some black ice on a county road and we swerved over to the other side of the road, and then back again twice before stopping at the edge of the ditch on our side. Fortunately an oncoming car moved to the middle of the road and stopped so that we had an open space to spin around in. Don't know if I could have handled it as well as he did, and we had 6 in the car including the 2 little ones. So I am really anxious to get out of this part of the world and down to the warmth and sun. Didn't mean to highjack the thread. Guess it was scarier than I thought or I would have forgotten about it.


LW888