[QUOTE=Walt.;1095245]I still haven't figured out the obsession with smiling and waving at strangers and reading negative things into their failure to reciprocate.

Really? When I say good morning to someone, I expect some response other than a stare-through-me kinda look. In the south, it is considered rude to not acknowledge someone's friendly gesture.

They sure changed my life for the better.

I enjoy hearing about the "good old days" in The Villages. Did Harold really think it would be this big or maybe even bigger? If so, did he share how big with you?

I use to think all the unique amenities were put up north and couldn't understand why they weren't mirrored down south. Now I think they were built for 100,000 plus people long before anyone else expected this growth.

Maybe it's the same with the big box stores and department stores. They are not that far away no matter where you live.

You mean you actually get a no-response when you're near somebody, look them square in the face, and say good morning?!? I've never experienced that and can't even imagine it.

Sometimes people don't speak to everyone they pass. I sure don't. That's just human nature. But a simple, friendly greeting is almost always returned in my experience.

From the way some people are talking, I think they found true happiness in their unhappiness!
No offense, but I don't think I want to play golf with them. Probably not an issue, however, since I have not had any trouble getting a winter tee time.

I was responding to Walt who said he could not understand why someone would think anything negative about someone not responding to a smile or wave.
Many times while riding my bike, I will say good morning to someone I pass by, an from them. I think it's a northern/big city thing.

I am a second generation Villager and I love it as much as my Mom and Dad did. So glad that my parents found this place.

I agree. The people from Spanish Springs can be mighty snobbish and distant.

Moved into TV in 2004 and still loving it.

I was talking about Summerfield.

If you are riding a bike past them, how do you know they didn't say good morning? You were already passing by them. They wouldn't even have time to respond quick enough for you to hear them. A northern thing? Kind of a broad statement to make. I'm from Michigan and always talk to people.

:1rotfl:

:agree: Some people just are unhappy people and don't have a life.

Oh that far north ! :)

For some it's a matter of perspective. Someone coming from a rural area where the next home is a long way away, this seems crowded, there is too much traffic on the roads, it's hard to get into restaurants, etc. For someone who has lived in a big city, traffic is not a problem, homes are not too close, waiting for a seat in a restaurant is normal, etc. For people from small towns/cities where they knew everyone, this may seem less friendly. For those from the city, there is less expectation of interaction with strangers.

Another facet is how long ago someone moved to TV. I believe that years ago many residents were grateful to find a place where they could enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle in retirement in the Florida sun. (Recent weather notwithstanding!) It seems some later residents want TV to be just what they left, but with better winter weather. When it doesn't fill their needs for culture, fine dining, private golf course conditions, etc., they are not as content.

He was such a nice man. Talked to everyone. He used to tell us to bring all our Michigan people down. Said they would have plenty of space for them.
He was excited to see Glenview CC getting done.
We met him on our first trip here when we were looking. He overheard our conversation with another couple about how cool the place was. Next thing we knew, we were sitting and chatting about Michigan and here.
He loved to watch the people in the square and said "there will be more of this" with a smile. We knew it was going to be big.