Friends First Meetup Group of NY & NJ

Flaming Grill Buffet, in Riverdale NJ on Rt 23

we have a steady group of 10 people and some time as much as 20.

Please dis-regard the list of 'attendees' or how many RSVP,
LOOK AT THE PHOTOS to see that many show up who are not on meetup or do not RSVP. you do not have to RSVP, just show up.

The people who come are from very diverse backgrounds/education/work/age.... just good people.

this is NOT a 'singles event' ( a few of them are happily married but the better half does not come for various reasons ).

this is about socializing and laughing, and eating. the buffet is huge with all kinds of foods. we come during usual dinner time, so there are many customers there, which means that the food turnover is frequent and so the food is freshly cooked.

we get there around 6pm ( some arrive as late as 8:30, some leave by 8pm ) we stay talking till 10pm ( always a surprise that it is time to go, and some times even hang around outside for an other 1/2 hour to even 2 hours ( midnight) talking CAUSE ITS JUST THAT MUCH FUN ! ).
there are those who come at 6pm and leave soon after 8pm.
please RSVP YES, if you think you want to come, but RSVPs are not necessary.

the price is $20+tip each, paid directly to the management
( regular price separate checks ) . if we have 7 people or more, they include tip that raises the price to just over $23
drinks other then water ( coke, tea, coffee ) are just over $1.?? added to price.

photos below, were taken at previous events, to show that YES, people do come without RSVPs

Flaming Grill Buffet, in Riverdale NJ on Rt 23

we have a steady group of 10 people and some time as much as 20.

Please dis-regard the list of 'attendees' or how many RSVP,
LOOK AT THE PHOTOS to see that many show up who are not on meetup or do not RSVP. you do not have to RSVP, just show up.

The people who come are from very diverse backgrounds/education/work/age.... just good people.

this is NOT a 'singles event' ( a few of them are happily married but the better half does not come for various reasons ).

this is about socializing and laughing, and eating. the buffet is huge with all kinds of foods. we come during usual dinner time, so there are many customers there, which means that the food turnover is frequent and so the food is freshly cooked.

we get there around 6pm ( some arrive as late as 8:30, some leave by 8pm ) we stay talking till 10pm ( always a surprise that it is time to go, and some times even hang around outside for an other 1/2 hour to even 2 hours ( midnight) talking CAUSE ITS JUST THAT MUCH FUN ! ).
there are those who come at 6pm and leave soon after 8pm.
please RSVP YES, if you think you want to come, but RSVPs are not necessary.

the price is $20+tip each, paid directly to the management
( regular price separate checks ) . if we have 7 people or more, they include tip that raises the price to just over $23
drinks other then water ( coke, tea, coffee ) are just over $1.?? added to price.

photos below, were taken at previous events, to show that YES, people do come without RSVPs

Description:

Finding someone you’re attracted to is one thing. Determining whether that person could be a compatible lifelong partner is something much more complicated.

In this interactive workshop, Garrett Lang will walk us through the process he developed for finding and evaluating a potential lifelong partner. Rather than relying mainly on chemistry, first impressions, or the hope that major differences will eventually disappear, Garrett’s approach is designed to help people get to know each other deliberately before making a serious commitment.

We’ll explore why Garrett recommends beginning with friendship, allowing time to observe someone’s character, and discussing the subjects that often create major problems only after a relationship has become serious.

Garrett will explain how to:
• Identify the beliefs and priorities you would not compromise for anyone
• Ask a potential partner about their own non-negotiables
• Distinguish manageable differences from fundamental incompatibilities
• Evaluate intellectual, emotional, physical, philosophical, spiritual, and lifestyle compatibility
• Compare values and understand which ones matter most to each person
• Discuss major life-path questions involving children, family, career, finances, location, social life, and privacy
• Determine whether attraction and chemistry are supported by genuine friendship and compatibility
• Observe whether care, effort, respect, and commitment are reciprocal

Participants will also have an opportunity to begin creating their own partner-compatibility framework. We’ll consider which qualities are essential, which are preferences, where compromise is possible, and which differences should be treated as warning signs.

Some of the questions we’ll discuss include:
• Should a romantic relationship begin as a friendship?
• What should you learn about someone before becoming deeply committed?
• How much compatibility is necessary for a relationship to last?
• Which differences can strengthen a relationship, and which are likely to create lasting conflict?
• How should we balance chemistry with reason?
• What does it mean for two people to be compatible if they prioritize different kinds of connection?
• How can the FTI’s Six Intentions help us choose—and become—better partners?

There is no guaranteed formula for finding the right person. However, a thoughtful process can help us make one of life’s most consequential decisions with greater self-awareness, honesty, reason, and compassion.

Whether you are single, dating, considering a serious commitment, already partnered and polyamorous, or simply interested in understanding long-term relationships, you are welcome to participate.

Format:

Lecture and discussion

We publish our event recordings on our Youtube channel to offer our help to anyone who would like to but can’t attend the meeting, so we need to give this clause. If you don’t want to be recorded, just remain on mute and keep your video off.

Here’s our legal notice:
Recording and Media Release Notice

For valuable consideration received, by joining this event I hereby grant Free Thinker Institute and its legal representatives and assigns, the irrevocable and unrestricted right to record, use, reproduce, edit, modify, publish, distribute, display, transmit, and otherwise exploit any and all Zoom recordings, photographs, audio recordings, screenshots, and other media captured during the event, in whole or in part, for trade, advertising, educational, promotional, commercial, or any other lawful purpose, in any media now known or hereafter developed. I further grant Free Thinker Institute the right to alter, edit, combine, crop, or otherwise modify such recordings without restriction.
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By attending the event, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to these terms.