On the upper level of Somerville’s Bow Market, 85 people sipped Valentine’s Day cocktails while making small talk. A nervous energy rippled through the room.
Regina Frizzi was among those waiting for Mingle Mayhem, a singles mixer for 26 to 38-year-olds, to begin. The East Boston resident said her “heart rate was through the roof,” even though she’d attended the event before.
The event is billed as a “social experiment disguised as a party.” Rather than typical speed dating, where participants often get stuck talking about the same topics over and over, Mingle Mayhem uses games and conversation starters — all backed by social psychology — to bring people out of their shells…