The Joy List: Jan 20

Hi there, friend!

We don’t have a New Yorker of the Week today. Want to be next? You know what to do, just fill out this form.

Thoughtful responses take priority!

Also, in case you don’t scroll to the bottom of the newsletter, I have a form where you can submit events. Submit yours! Submit one you love that should be featured! I’m but one mere woman, and I love hearing about gatherings outside of my orbit.

As a reminder, I only share events where:

1) You can make friends

2) There is an element of facilitated connection.

Now, onto the GIF and the good stuff:

Looking for your crew? Join Dismantle and Find Out What Kind of Man You Can Be

Do you crave deep friendships with men who actually give a shit? Are you ready to tackle the doubts that keep you stuck in relationships, underwhelmed by jobs & bored in the bedroom? Led by therapist Mike Rosen, Dismantle is an 8-week program culminating with an in-person retreat. You'll tackle topics like money, sex, & grief and find your own definition of masculinity. Only 3 spots remain! Contact [email protected] now for info.

Looking for Partners to Share the Power of ASMR

Becca, the founder of WhisperWave, NYC’s only ASMR, soft-touch spa, is looking for collaborators to share the magic of in-person ASMR. Whether you’re a podcast host, a wellness event organizer, or someone with a passion for relaxation and connection, she’d love to hear from you! Drop her a note at [email protected]—she’s excited to chat and co-create something beautiful.

Gatherings

Double check details before you go, and contact the organizers with questions! The Joy List does not run these events. This is a slow events week, so the focus is mostly on every possible flavor of New Year’s Eve!

Tuesday, January 21: Sensitive Silly Men UNO Tournament

Grab your headband and get ready for the “Sensitive Silly Men UNO Throwdown”—where card-slinging meets real talk about masculinity and sports, all in one night.Before the games begin, you’ll even get to decorate your own headband and eyepatch —because every champion needs the right look.Expect camaraderie, big laughs, and real conversations beyond the usual sports talk.

$18. 6-9pm. Fabrk NYC 12-16 Vestry St 4th Floor. Info here.

Thursday, January 23: +1 Matchbox Party

Come with a friend, leave with a match! Met Through Friends is teaming up with Matchbox for a friends-of-friends edition of their signature matching parties (Each ticket admits 1 man + 1 woman, late 20s-30s)You and your +1 will take a matching questionnaire built by Matchbox's team of relationship scientists, then the Matchbox algorithm will find your optimal match at the party. After mingling with dozens of other great single friends-of-friends, your match will be revealed!

$85. 7:00PM – 10:00PM (EST). 14 West 23rd St. Info here.

Thursday, January 23: Joust & Zero-Proof's Game Night

​Make enemies over your favorite games and craft mocktails at a swanky hotel in the heart of the city.

​Zero-Proof is teaming up with Joust to host an upscale game night. ​Expect a line-up of:

  • ​​Party/social games like Codenames, Wavelength and Taboo

  • ​​Familiar favs like Uno, Monopoly Deal, and your favorite card games

  • ​​A few classics like Catan, Clue and more

$30. 7 to 10 PM. RSVP for midtown hotel address. Info here.

Friday, January 24: Backgammon Friday Night Social

​Whether you're embracing Dry January or just looking for a great night out, this event is perfect for you! Torch & Crown offers a wide selection of mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks alongside their full bar and menu. Plus, enjoy their Restaurant Week specials!

BYO board, or use one of the extras.

$10. 6:30 to 11 PM. 12 Vandam St. Info here.

Saturday, January 25; Hyggehiking Coastal Bronx

Hygge hikes are gatherings where we can come together to make new friends, discuss fun projects we're eager to work on, and dive into deep, thoughtful discussions, all while trekking through green spaces throughout our city. On Saturday, we'll be exploring the parks, piers, gardens, and amphitheaters along the Bronx coastline. We'll begin at Crotona Park and trek along the waterfronts until we reach Ferry Point Park, where we'll board the ferry back to 34th street in Manhattan and have dinner at Food Gallery 32 in K-Town.

Free ($20 suggested). 10am-6pm. Crotona Park + 6-mile walk. Info here.

Saturday, January 25: Lower East Side Gallery Crawl

Join ArtsClub on a tour of some of the amazing galleries located on the Lower East Side!

Beginning at Ki Smith gallery, we will gather to view the current exhibition and get insight from the artist on the show on display. We’ll continue on to other galleries in the neighborhood - getting an insider glimpse and private tour of each exhibition by the gallery directors along the way.

$25. 2 to 4 PM. Ki Smith Gallery 170 Forsyth St. Info here.

Saturday, January 25: Vision Board Workshop with Single Saturdays

Ready to manifest your life? Join Single Saturdays for a vision board workshop, where you’ll craft a visual roadmap for your relationships, love life, career, passions, and goals.

Creating a vision board is a helpful way to get clear on what you desire to call into your life. A new year is an opportune time to get present and tap into your deepest wishes.

$40. 12:30 PM EST at Sound Mind Center. Info here.

Spiritual Direction Sessions

Whether you are spiritual, religious, have been hurt by religion, or are more comfortable with a secular worldview, Kristabeth will accompany you as you seek to connect with the sacred wisdom within and around you. One-on-one spiritual direction provides a nonjudgmental space to explore life’s big questions. Those going through life transitions may find spiritual direction particularly helpful. Free 45-minute introductory sessions available on Zoom.

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

Jillian

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