Hi there, friend!

Our New Yorker of the Week is Rachel. She’s 33, lives in Brooklyn, and is looking for friendship and love. If you’re interested in contacting her, reach out to rachelsaslaw@gmail.com and share what piqued your interest!

Now, onto the good stuff:

How would someone who loves you describe you?

“Playful, positive, curious, caring, genuine, direct, driven. You have the very unique ability to embrace both planning ahead and spontaneous moments.”

“Beautiful, incredibly smart, kind, generous, fiercely loyal, thoughtful beyond compare. A+ sense of humor, will always go for the bit, and has a childlike wonder. You’d be so lucky to have her presence.”

“Ray of sunshine, joyful, full of life”

(I have really good friends)

What sorts of things do you want to do with your friends?

Go to concerts at intimate local venues, explore new yoga studios, have picnics in Prospect Park (where we oscillate between deep chats and eating grapes), create together (community gatherings, dinner parties, art projects), go hiking upstate, find the definitive best dumplings in the city.

What's something that people might not guess about you?

I host an annual pie baking competition (5 years and counting). There are four winning categories, and my friends and I go all out (I took home the gold in the “Best Savory” category pie this year with my spin on a Win Son Bakery specialty -- a scallion pancake BEC pie).

Are you looking for love? Tell me about the type of person you're looking for!

I am! I gravitate toward curious, confident, open-minded men. I have a soft spot for corporate hippies who have a zest for life and ask thoughtful questions. If you’re for me, you’re self-growth oriented, can be a silly goose and also introspective. You probably have a full life and are excited about sharing it with someone.

Anything else that the Joy List community can help you with?

I run a community (@StoryTellNYC) that helps New Yorkers build in-person connection through vulnerability, courage, and shared stories. Each time, we gather around a different theme and explore it through intellectual conversation, group reflections, and personal stories. It’s really magical; you should come sometime.

This Valentine’s Day, Say Yes to Adventure – In Dating & Beyond

Join us for a V-Day evening of self-discovery, out-of-the-box love stories, and interactive experiences designed to reignite the excitement of in-person connection. From a fireside chat with a former wedding officiant to exercises defining adventure in dating – plus creative IRL date ideas – this event is all about possibility. Enjoy botanical spirits and festive treats as you connect. Early bird discount until 2/5 – grab your spot now!

Tired of Playing It Safe? Reignite Your Creative Spark with a 6-Week Intensive Online Workshop to Awaken Your Creative Life Force

Feeling stuck and wishing you could unleash your creative potential? Join Lab X: Creativity x Fear, a 6-week virtual exploration guided by leading innovators, creatives, and holistic practitioners. One participant remarked that "Lab X offered three invaluable gifts: dedicated time for self-reflection each week, validation that creativity and risk-taking keep life interesting, and connection with others on a similar journey." From 2/25-4/1 on Tuesdays. Apply today to jumpstart 2025!

Gatherings

Double check details before you go, and contact the organizers with questions! The Joy List does not run these events.

Tuesday, February 4: Stargazing: Fort Greene

Join the Amateur Astronomers Association in Fort Greene, Brooklyn for free observing sessions, open to the public. We will meet near the corner of South Elliot Pl. and Lafayette Ave.

Free. 5 to 7 PM. 69 Lafayette Ave. Info here.

Wednesday, Feb 5: The Feels

'The Feels' mixes time to meet and connect casually, with a 90 min facilitated portion. the format was built in partnership with Columbia University; it blends positive psychology, mindfulness, non violent communication + somatic awareness practices.

We believe that when you feel grounded + good in your body, an openness is available - and that space is ideal for connecting to others. We'll guide you to that place.

Data shows that 70% of all attendees walk out with the contact info for someone they're excited about + that 'the feels' is 2x more effective than a typical singles event.

Only men’s tickets available. Use code JOYLIST to bring ticket to $82.39. 6:30 to 9:30 PM. 120 Walker St. Info here.

Wednesday, February 5: Dance Church

Dance Church® is an all-levels movement class taught by professional dance artists that offers a fun and inclusive approach to dancing. Designed for people of all shapes and sizes, backgrounds and identities, Dance Church is a communal space for people who want to move their bodies.

The teacher leads class in a series of movement cues, accompanied by a curated playlist of multi-genre pop music. The format is open but guided throughout. No prior dance experience necessary, but open mindedness is a prerequisite.

$25. 6:30 to 7:45 PM. New York Center For Creativity and Dance. Info here.

In honor of Black History month, free classes for the black community all month.

Thursday, February 6: Climate and Jobs Mayoral Candidate Forum

Join us to hear from the candidates running for mayor of New York where they stand on climate, jobs, and justice.

At this event, we’ll ask the candidates where they stand on supporting mass transit, enforcing Local Law 97, and other policies to reduce pollution, create good jobs, and cut energy bills.

At this event, New Yorkers will show the power of our demand that the next mayor stand up to corporate interests, move the city off fossil fuels, and be the climate leader the nation needs.

Free. 6:30 to 8:30 PM. New York Society For Ethical Culture. Info here.

Thursday, February 6: +1 Singles Soirée with Met Through Friends and StoryTell

You and a friend will join us for 5 rounds of 10-minute conversations with small groups of other singles. Each round will have a different theme — sparking conversation, stories, and questions beyond the "so what do you do?" After, we'll have time to socialize casually so you can follow up on those loose threads and "tell me more's" 🥰 **Each ticket includes admission for 2 people (1 woman interested in men + 1 man interested in women).

$65 (Admits 2). 7-9 PM. Arlo Nomad. Info here.

Friday, February 7: Loofahahs | A Goofy Self-Love Retreat

Get ready for a refreshing mental bubble bath, playful mini-practices of self-love, and some delectable treats and tea! Think bubbles, Play-Doh, poetry, stickers, crayons, and loofahs! Grow with others through exercises to transcend self-care into self-love with a playful twist. Brought to you by The Swing Set Institute - empowering changemakers inspired by the wisdom of childhood.

$35. 630-9pm. 72 Park Ter W E26. Info here.

NEDx #2 - Naked Extemporaneous Discussion

Have you had a dream where you’re forced to give a presentation in class, only to look down and realize you’re wearing no pants? Nudity and public speaking are common fears because they make us feel vulnerable. Even though we know this fear is not always logical, the question remains: What do we do about it?

That's it for this edition. Try something new this week, friends! 

Jillian

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