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- The Joy List: Feb 17
The Joy List: Feb 17
Hi there, friend!
Our New Yorker of the Week is Matt. He’s 34 and a half, lives in Greenwich Village, and is looking for friendship and l-o-v-e. If you’re interested in contacting him, reach out to [email protected] and share what piqued your interest!
Now, onto the good stuff:
How would someone who loves you describe you?
“There’s no one I’d rather spend an afternoon in a bar with, not for the drinks but for the deep conversation. We’ll start joking about our friends or sports, then shift into emotions and family dynamics. He’s inquisitive, and wants to really know how you’re doing. Matt has a huge heart, works hard professionally while dedicated to a creative writing side hustle, and is always cracking a joke. He lives a fiercely full life which has been an example for me to do the same.” – Brian
"You’ve been my best friend since we were 5, so I don’t really know what it’s like to go through the world without you in it – and I don’t want to have to ever know. As much as anything, I admire your willingness to be vulnerable in the pursuit of yours and others’ truths even if it’s at the expense of being comfortable. You make life more interesting.” – Jake
“Matt’s one of those needle in a haystack kind of people. He’s the smartest, wittiest person I know. He’s also loyal, fiercely brave, honest, introspective, compassionate, creative, and fun. I’m lucky to have him in my life, and you’d be even luckier to have him in yours.” – Mikey
“Great tipper – but tends to ask for way too many condiments on his turkey sandwiches.” – my local bodega owner
(highly suggest everyone asks their friends this question…words of affirmation are very real)
What sorts of things do you want to do with your friends?
Explore as much of New York’s cultural palette as we can – theater, literary readings, weird art shows, any sort of meetup that fosters creativity and community. Laugh our asses off, vibe out at Othership, cook for each other, eat, talk about eating, go to Barry’s and curse out the instructor under our breaths, dress up and go to fancy dinners, walk aimlessly around the city talking about our dreams, slowly emigrate to France and/or Italy.
What's something that people might not guess about you?
I’m a novelist! Fiction writing gives me a deep (but also kinda terrifying) sense of purpose and makes everything more exciting to me. I believe that being curious about life helps teach me how to write better – and being curious about writing helps teach me how to live better. Oooh! – also – I’m an undefeated competitive eater. Challengers welcome. And I have a tattoo of a sandwich on my arm with a side of chipotle mayo to boot. Food-motivated through and through.
Are you looking for love? Tell me about the type of person you're looking for!
Yes! I gravitate toward open-minded and creative women who believe that sitting with the wide spectrum of life’s emotions is the key to a fulfilling relationship...and a fulfilling life. Authenticity, vulnerability, communication that’s rock-solid, avocados that are not rock-solid – these are a few of my favorite qualities. If you’re a playful and curious independent thinker who refuses to settle for the norm, there’s a good chance we’ll hit it off.
Anything else that the Joy List community can help you with?
Does anyone here work for UberEats? If so, can you please tell your restaurants to stop sending me four sets of utensils with orders that I’m just placing for me?
Breakup Recovery Workshop: Heal, Rebuild & Feel OK Again
💔 Struggling to move on after a breakup? You’re not alone. Join The Breakup Recovery Workshop: How to Be OK to heal, gain clarity, and rebuild your confidence. Take real steps toward feeling like yourself again. 📅 April 25, 2025 | Sign up now: https://shorturl.at/4Ku1M 💜
Rewire Your Stress Response
Nervous System Mastery is a cohort-based course that will equip you with evidence-backed protocols to improve sleep, rewire reactivity and cultivate calm in 45 days. Enrolment doors close Feb 28. Use code JOYLIST for $250 discount. Apply today
Gatherings
Double check details before you go, and contact the organizers with questions! The Joy List does not run these events.
Tuesday, February 18: Body Wash: Shadows
Body Wash: Shadows is a guided workshop experience. We will breathe together, stretch our bodies, and improvise movement with shadows. Using light and theatrical props, we'll explore shadow-making as both performance and meditation. Finally, through writing and conversation, we will reflect on shadows as theatrical and personal tools.
$15. 7-9 PM. 303 Ten Eyck St. Info here.
Tuesday, February 18: Crystal Sacred Geometry & Breathwork: Connect, Align, Expand
Join us for a transformative Breathwork & Meditation Journey where you’ll connect with others, align your energy, and expand your consciousness through sacred geometry and crystal energy. This interactive class offers group breathwork, shared intention-setting, and space for meaningful connections. Whether you come solo or with a friend, you’ll leave feeling supported, grounded, and part of a like-minded community. No experience needed—just an open heart and a willingness to connect!
$65. 6:30-8:30PM. 200 Columbia St. Info here.
Tuesday, February 18: StoryTell x Journaling Classes 2/18: Self-Love
Join StoryTell and Journaling Classes for an evening of connection through mindfulness journaling and personal storytelling. We'll explore our perspectives, curiosities, and personal stories on the theme of "Self-Love". You'll leave with a new friend, a new perspective, and deeper empathy and understanding of yourself and the world around you.
$25-35, 6:30-9PM, Ringolevio. Info here.
Wednesday, February 19: Cougars & Cubs: Intentional Age Gap Dating for Women & Men
In this straight dating event, we'll break the night into several parts. Each part will involve group games and 1-1 conversation starters to get the flow going. You won't be sitting all night, nor will you get lost in the corner of the room. This will not be usual speed dating where everyone sits and just rotates from one person to the next. Expect games, deep conversation starters, and to interact with everyone in the room. We curate conversation that is meant to bring about actual connection! The night will end with open mix and mingling. Prepare to stay later than 9pm. Folks usually don't end up leaving until around 10pm.
Note from Jillian: If you go to this, tell me how it is. (If you’re comfy. I’m nosy.)
$27.45. 7 to 9 PM. Talon Bar, 220 Wyckoff Ave. Info here.
Thursday, February 20: Cougars & Kittens: Age Gap Sapphic Dating
In this sapphic dating event, we'll break the night into several parts. Each part will involve group games and 1-1 matching with conversation starters to get the flow going. You won't be sitting all night, nor will you get lost in the corner of the room. This will not be usual speed dating where everyone sits and just rotates from one person to the next. Expect games, deep conversation starters, and to interact with everyone in the room. We curate conversation that is meant to bring about actual connection! The night will end with open mix and mingling. Prepare to stay later than 9pm. Folks usually don't end up leaving until around 10pm.
Note from Jillian: Same thing applies. Still nosy.
$27.45. 7 to 9 PM. Talon Bar, 220 Wyckoff Ave. Info here.
Friday, February 21: Othership Social
Consider this our icy-fresh take on an evening out with friends. A 2-hour sober-curious gathering to connect with others over a shared sauna + ice bath experience. Harness the collective energy of like-minded journeyers to drop your guard and express your most authentic self. Together, we unite to shift our state and build belonging from a place of open receptivity. Expect all of the elements that make our journey a memorable one: towel waving, aromatherapy, louder music, dancing, impromptu sauna landings, 1:1 guidance, curated soundscape, human connection and big TGIF energy.
Note from Jillian: If you really dig this vibe, you can use my referral code to get 11% off a first-timer 2-week membership. That’s $120 for a 14 sessions! Not bad given the price in 3, 2, 1…
$64. 9:20 PM. Othership Flatiron. Info here.
Saturday, February 22: Vision Board Party!
Let's make vision boards! Expect a cozy atmosphere with all the art supplies included, yummy snacks and drinks, guided inspiration, prompts to help get you in the zone and opportunities for sharing and connection.
$25 + 4-7pm + 17 Old Fulton St. Info here.
Saturday, February 22: LIC Supper Club
Join for an intimate evening of culinary exploration in my cozy apartment, where we’ll blend the finesse of French techniques with the bold, rich flavors of Hyderabadi cuisine. Over the past few months, I’ve been hosting dinners for friends, and now I’m excited to open up the experience to new faces. This supper club is all about strangers coming together to share food, drinks, and conversation. Every dish is crafted with love, drawing inspiration from both French cooking methods and the deep, aromatic spices of Hyderabad.
$30. 7-9pm. 4121 24th Street, Long Island City. Info here.
Rethinking Alcohol & Mental Health: A Fireside Chat With Kendall Bierman
Curious about being sober curious? Join us for an intimate fireside chat exploring the connection between alcohol and mental health. Kendall Bierman, licensed therapist, and Sam Bail, founder of Third Place Bar, invite you to an evening of conversation and connection.🍵 All non-alcoholic drinks, snacks, and tea bar are included in the ticket price.
Holistic Psychotherapy for lasting change
Greta Klaber, LMFT, offers integrative therapy that blends psychodynamic and somatic therapy to support individuals and couples through life’s challenges. Whether navigating anxiety, trauma, or relationship struggles, her practice is collaborative and tailored to each client, providing a supportive space for growth and healing.