You might think a “Single Mingle” event would start out a bit awkward: the men on one side of the bar nursing draft beers, the women on the other sipping cocktails. But the New Jersey Young Professionals (NJYP), a networking group, makes sure every single mingler feels right at home.
At their latest event, hundreds of people came out to Room 84, 84 Washington St. in Hoboken.
“After you get out of college it becomes really hard to socialize,” said Kim Spinelli, who came all the way from Toms River to Hoboken for the event. It was her first time in Hoboken, she said, noting, “I was looking for a change of pace.”
“It really all depends on who shows up.” – Rachel Coviello
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In fact, the organization even brings in a special group of outgoing members to help reluctant singles break the ice. Called “The Wing Team,” these wingmen and women help introduce other singles without all the embarrassing pick-up lines.
Charity, who serves as a wingwoman, said the events are great way to get out of the house for a much-needed change of scenery.
“It’s a great way to get out and meet people,” Charity said. “You can go to a place that you wouldn’t normally go to alone, and know that there are going to be at least 50 other people there.”
Founded by Laure Occhipinti in 2004, NJYP started as a Yahoo group and has expanded statewide with chapters in every county in New Jersey. They have a website: www.njyp.org.
The men
It wasn’t only women who made the trek to Hoboken to mingle.
“It’s a real low-key way of meeting people that are in the same boat as you are,” said Kevin, who lives in Little Falls. And you don’t have to look if there’s a ring on her finger.”
But some still felt a little uneasy in the setting.
Shannon, a woman who lives in Hoboken, said, “I really don’t like the uncomfortable feelings. I guess I have to go to more.” She added, “I feel like the girls are a lot hotter than the guys. I mean there’s definitely more girls than guys and, unfortunately, I’m not a lesbian.”
Making new friends
NJYP doesn’t just host “Single Mingles.” The organization holds all kinds of events from the platonic business-networking, to speed-dating.
For Wayne resident and NJYP member Rachel Coviello, it’s not hard to find a date at most NJYP events, but it’s much harder to find the perfect guy.
“It really all depends on who shows up,” Coviello said. “Either way, it’s a lot of fun.”
Coviello, who has hosted speed dating and other NJYP events in the past, said she has met upwards of 10 close friends through the group, and she stays in touch with them regularly. “We make sure to go out to dinner at least once a week,” she said.
For Joanna, of Ridgewood, more focused events like speed dating can be very entertaining.
“The events can get pretty interesting,” she said. “It’s something you have to try at least once.”
Sean Allocca can be reached at editorial@hudsonreporter.com