[joseppe]

Might depend on one's definition of a 'Friend'. Is that someone that you enjoy recreation activities with on occasion or is it someone with whom you have a deep, caring and trusting relationship with?

[Laker14]

Live your life, doing the things you enjoy doing. Be open and friendly. You will find others with whom you feel, to use one my mother's expressions, "simpatico". You'll find them at work, and at play. Unless you wish to be a hermit, this place will put you in contact with a lot of people. Conversations ensue. Shared interests become evident.
It's a lot harder not to make friends in TV than it is to make friends.

[midiwiz]

Originally Posted by AbbyPye

After a number of months of carefully planning, I am finally progressing to find a spot to move to The Villages on a more permanent basis along with the person that will be a spouse-type figure. (No, I am not legally married to the other person, but that is all besides the point!)

I keep reading various written posts as well as viewing imagery that stress the fact that once a couple (even a single person as well, through I can’t voice myself regarding that fact) moves to The Villages community, they will be making friends that they have never experienced first hand before, comparing to what it was like when they lived within the communities they came from. This notion presents an illusion that within a short period of time from the start of their official residency, these new residents will have a number of personal contacts that they can consider as their “friends”.

So I will ask this inquiry as I have yet to discover these facts myself. Once somebody does relocate to this Villages community, can a person and/or a couple really make these kinds of friends this quickly? I understand that if one engages is some form of activity be it playing a sport, becoming a participant is a organized group, or some other factor that requires social activity, one can make friends. But what would happen if this person/couple spends little time in such social activities, but one lives in the area just as a standard resident?

Both I as well as my domestic partner are working full time. (*gasp!*) We are employed outside of the community, meaning that we are away from home during the weekday hours, with an occasional weekend stance on the job. So while everyone is doing something during the weekday daylight hours such as playing golf or participating in a ceramics class, I, along with my “spouse” will be engaged in working at some facility that is far off from all of these forms of play and leisure.

I will state that having all of this leisure on hand is far from being unsettling or nothing to be desired. (In fact, it’s great!!) But let’s face it! I may not have the time to engage in all of these activities as I do have those personal responsibilities I must tend to that hold a first priority for my household.


-Abby and domestic partner Terry

I'll chime in my 2 cents.

We've been here about 4 months and are pretty much same situtation as you. Here's my take.

There is a lot to do, just never at the times we can participate. So much so all there is that we can participate in is sometimes a market, sometimes the squares for dinner or a band. By sometimes, obviously with the holidays it's not a lot, plus we really don't like eating out all the time.

We have joined a couple clubs that are of interest, however many of their activities also are when we are working...there are a couple that have been on the weekend however again the timing has been off. and looking at the Jan/Feb calendars it appears that we again will be on our own.

We have found that yes many are pretty nice around here, but also a lot aren't all that out going. We have found all things, have a couple aquaintences and that's about it.

No one has invited us over for anything. I keep on hearing about a block party in February but honestly my block is pretty much 'zzzzzzzzzzzzz" .

With all that said, does it really matter. To my wife yes she just lost her BFF in August which in part is why we moved back to Florida, me it's whatever. No different than anywhere else....and I'm the more social one LOL.

We've tried and well it takes time. Nothing really helps but time. but if you need to have something to occupy yourself with a lot of people just go sit in any roundabout LOL...

and by the way, we seem to be younger than most around here so that could have something to do with their perspective of us?

We are always lookng for people to hang out with, so HMU if you want.

[Bill1701]

After you get off work, head to one of the bars at the squares. Buy a few rounds of drinks and you'll have more friends than you can handle.

[Queenie504]

You have to make the effort. If you work full time and then come home and stay there you will not meet anyone. You must initiate contact with people. Your neighbors are just that, neighbors. It takes effort to make real friends wherever you live. There is no magic here to making friends, just alot of potential friends close by. It's all up to the 2 of you. Real friends are priceless and hard to find anywhere no matter your age or working status.

[DonnaNi4os]

The best way to make a friend is to be one. Sounds easy enough. Even if you are out during the day and unable to join groups, you can still meet people. Go for a walk and you will find other walkers. Sit on your front porch and you will be sure to see your neighbors who are out for a walk. Host a driveway party. Print out some flyers stating the date and time. Put out a few chairs and offer simply beverages or suggest a BYO. Offer a smile and a kind word and watch the magic happen. Good luck.

[GATORBILL66]

Yep, it would be good to hear from Terry also to see what he has to say.

[Rodneysblue]

We met our best friends in Dunkin Doughnuts while on the way home from our second Lifestyle visit. We bought 1 1/2 later and are moving down permanently in April. Every time we come down we get together. Have also met many of are neighbors while at are home.

[donfey]

Originally Posted by AbbyPye

After a number of months of carefully planning, I am finally progressing to find a spot to move to The Villages on a more permanent basis along with the person that will be a spouse-type figure. (No, I am not legally married to the other person, but that is all besides the point!)

I keep reading various written posts as well as viewing imagery that stress the fact that once a couple (even a single person as well, through I can’t voice myself regarding that fact) moves to The Villages community, they will be making friends that they have never experienced first hand before, comparing to what it was like when they lived within the communities they came from. This notion presents an illusion that within a short period of time from the start of their official residency, these new residents will have a number of personal contacts that they can consider as their “friends”.

So I will ask this inquiry as I have yet to discover these facts myself. Once somebody does relocate to this Villages community, can a person and/or a couple really make these kinds of friends this quickly? I understand that if one engages is some form of activity be it playing a sport, becoming a participant is a organized group, or some other factor that requires social activity, one can make friends. But what would happen if this person/couple spends little time in such social activities, but one lives in the area just as a standard resident?

Both I as well as my domestic partner are working full time. (*gasp!*) We are employed outside of the community, meaning that we are away from home during the weekday hours, with an occasional weekend stance on the job. So while everyone is doing something during the weekday daylight hours such as playing golf or participating in a ceramics class, I, along with my “spouse” will be engaged in working at some facility that is far off from all of these forms of play and leisure.

I will state that having all of this leisure on hand is far from being unsettling or nothing to be desired. (In fact, it’s great!!) But let’s face it! I may not have the time to engage in all of these activities as I do have those personal responsibilities I must tend to that hold a first priority for my household.

The reason why I and my partner is moving to this Villages community is for various purposes, mostly because of financial elements. But those specific reasons can and will be discussed not here, but on another discussion thread that will be posted in the near future.

So if anyone can honestly speak up on this inquiry, I would deeply appreciate it as I know I am not the only person or persons that might want to know what they may be facing upon their arrival. So call this inquiry as one that can be considered as a public service.

Thank you to all!

-Abby and domestic partner Terry

If you are friendly you're likely to find friendly neighbors.

[MrFlorida]

Strike up conversations at your neighborhood pool, go to driveway parties, some neighborhoods have meet and greet parties at the rec centers, play golf, join clubs, making new friends is very easy here, just keep religion and politics out of your conversations.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by GATORBILL66

Yep, it would be good to hear from Terry also to see what he has to say.

Is there a reason to believe that Terry is a man?????

[SusanStCatherine]

Get out and about when you aren't working. Always be positive! Offer help to others.

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by AbbyPye

After a number of months of carefully planning, I am finally progressing to find a spot to move to The Villages on a more permanent basis along with the person that will be a spouse-type figure. (No, I am not legally married to the other person, but that is all besides the point!)

I keep reading various written posts as well as viewing imagery that stress the fact that once a couple (even a single person as well, through I can’t voice myself regarding that fact) moves to The Villages community, they will be making friends that they have never experienced first hand before, comparing to what it was like when they lived within the communities they came from. This notion presents an illusion that within a short period of time from the start of their official residency, these new residents will have a number of personal contacts that they can consider as their “friends”.

So I will ask this inquiry as I have yet to discover these facts myself. Once somebody does relocate to this Villages community, can a person and/or a couple really make these kinds of friends this quickly? I understand that if one engages is some form of activity be it playing a sport, becoming a participant is a organized group, or some other factor that requires social activity, one can make friends. But what would happen if this person/couple spends little time in such social activities, but one lives in the area just as a standard resident?

Both I as well as my domestic partner are working full time. (*gasp!*) We are employed outside of the community, meaning that we are away from home during the weekday hours, with an occasional weekend stance on the job. So while everyone is doing something during the weekday daylight hours such as playing golf or participating in a ceramics class, I, along with my “spouse” will be engaged in working at some facility that is far off from all of these forms of play and leisure.

I will state that having all of this leisure on hand is far from being unsettling or nothing to be desired. (In fact, it’s great!!) But let’s face it! I may not have the time to engage in all of these activities as I do have those personal responsibilities I must tend to that hold a first priority for my household.

The reason why I and my partner is moving to this Villages community is for various purposes, mostly because of financial elements. But those specific reasons can and will be discussed not here, but on another discussion thread that will be posted in the near future.

So if anyone can honestly speak up on this inquiry, I would deeply appreciate it as I know I am not the only person or persons that might want to know what they may be facing upon their arrival. So call this inquiry as one that can be considered as a public service.

Thank you to all!

-Abby and domestic partner Terry

My best advice is go to the squares often, drink a lot, and place a flag on your golf car.

[LindaH$]

Originally Posted by jimjamuser

My best advice is go to the squares often, drink a lot, and place a flag on your golf car.

I guess that's a way to go about it, depending on the type of friends you want to make.

If you are an outgoing person, you'll make loads of acquaintances who will have the potential to become friends. If you are more reserved, you will still have the opportunity within your neighborhood. If you weren't a social butterfly before you moved here, don't expect to suddenly become one because you're in The Villages. I'm a bit shy with strangers, but find a lot of friendly people wherever I go. I also see people that I know by first glance that I don't want anything to do with. That's usually because of a slogan on a t-shirt or golf cart flag. I actually kind of appreciate their advertising who they are so I don't waste my time talking to someone I have nothing in common with. But yeah, it's easier to meet people here than in many places if you're open to it, polite, and kind

[joelfmi]

Originally Posted by joseppe

Might depend on one's definition of a 'Friend'. Is that someone that you enjoy recreation activities with on occasion or is it someone with whom you have a deep, caring and trusting relationship with?

carved silver. Alot about the villages is smoke and mirrors. You need to be there to experience the negative and the positive of residing at villages.