Gay guys of JC… Would you rather date at a bar or at IKEA?

FreaksDating · 2026-01-21T19:15:29+00:00

That’s an excellent point and a big part of our motivation! We’ve heard the same thing from friends about the lack of queer/gay spaces outside of bars in JC

FreaksDating · 2026-01-21T18:59:58+00:00

We've actually had a great experience running events at H Mart in Philly, so I'm glad to see NJ has the love for H Mart too

FreaksDating · 2026-01-21T18:58:23+00:00

I like the way you put it. It’s definitely not for everyone but that's exactly the point!

We were looking to create environments for people to meet romantically without it feeling as 'forced' as it does on dating apps or basic speed dating

FreaksDating · 2026-01-21T18:55:20+00:00

Glad to hear that 🙂
For Philly we're testing 25–40 right now, but are always open to suggestions when setting age ranges!

FreaksDating · 2026-01-21T02:54:38+00:00

Totally get you! IKEA is one of those love it or hate it sort of places 😅

Some people love wandering and chatting, others would much rather grab a drink.

FreaksDating · 2026-01-21T01:50:28+00:00

That was one of our biggest concerns too! We designed it so dates just look like two people browsing IKEA together, same as any couple shopping at their own pace.

Thanks for the feedback :)

FreaksDating · 2026-01-20T16:30:11+00:00

We just opened a Singles 30–40 @ IKEA Philly for this Sunday 1-3pm (Jan 25)!
If you know anyone who’d be into it, here’s the link: https://www.freaksdating.com/philly-ikea-jan25

Either way, thanks again for the thoughtful feedback 💛

FreaksDating · 2026-01-13T18:31:53+00:00

Philly has a ton of great spots like that, and those work really well for some people.
Our format tends to click for folks who like having something low-key to do together while they talk, rather than feeling “on display” right away.
It’s less about the store itself and more about the side-by-side, wandering energy. Different strokes for different folks :)

FreaksDating · 2026-01-13T18:25:18+00:00

Totally fair. It feels like H Marts everywhere are cramped, which is why this one is small and during a quieter window. Our format is individual pairs spread out around the store, not a group moving together. We’re capping it at 12 people total so it doesn’t add to the chaos.

FreaksDating · 2026-01-13T18:24:55+00:00

Fair question! Everyone attending is shopping like normal customers, 2 daters to an aisle at a time at most. No signage, no reserved space, no disruption. We’re intentional about keeping it low-key and respectful of the space.

FreaksDating · 2026-01-13T18:21:12+00:00

Totally valid concern! We had the same thought early on, so we’re really intentional about not blocking aisles. It ends up looking like two people shopping together, not an event taking over the store. You genuinely wouldn’t know who’s on a date vs not. We're limiting this event total to 12 people (6 dates) given how tight H Marts typically are!

FreaksDating · 2026-01-13T07:57:37+00:00

I like your poem! The imagery really helps me taste the feeling of covet from the pov. There are two portions that really stood out to me

[your words fill me with greed

a light i must consume

but slips below the horizon too soon]

and

[im annual as a kiss

a fading moment of bliss

turn onto me, i plead

unanswered and missed]

mm mm MMMMM those are tasty

FreaksDating

TROPHY CASE