It’s no secret that Hoboken is home to many young couples. They can be seen in the cozy corners of romantic restaurants throughout the city or strolling down Sinatra Drive. It is rare, however, that we get a peek into the lives of the people in the relationships, but a Mile Square couple on USA network’s Temptation Island has changed that. Kate Griffith and David Benavidez are a Hoboken couple who have appeared on the most recent season of Temptation Island, a show designed to test the strength of different couples’ relationships. We spoke with Kate and David to get an idea of what being on the show is like, what they love most about Hoboken, and more. Keep reading to learn more about Kate and David, a Hoboken couple on Temptation Island.
{Photo credit: John Tsiavis/USA Network}
Tell us about yourselves.
Kate Griffith: I’m a fitness enthusiast — my world revolves around fitness, feeling and looking my best is the top priority.
Where are you based out of locally?
KG: Hoboken/Jersey City although I’ve only been here a little over a year. Miami was home for 10 years beforehand but in order to move my relationship forward with David, I moved north.
David Benavidez: Hoboken.
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Who is your biggest source of inspiration?
KG: Myself — you have to find inspiration within yourself each and every day, to be better than the day before.
DB: My biggest source of inspiration is my family.
What are your goals for this year?
KG: To see where life goes after Temptation Island.
DB: To learn as much as I can about myself and always try to become a better person every day!
What has being on Temptation Island been like?
KG: It was a period of self-realization and growth, mixed with a lot of laughter and tears.
DB: It was way more of a crazy, out-of-this-world experience than I thought it would be. It’s a type of environment/scenario that is incomparable to anything you would ever experience in real life!
What made you and your partner want to be on the show?
KG: David and I were at a crossroads in our relationship. We love each other but just needed to determine the next phase.
DB: The show was my idea from the beginning, and I pushed Kate to go. We were having issues in our relationship and as I was watching the first season, I realized that the issues the couples were having were very similar to ours and that the show could possibly help our relationship one way or another.
What is unique about the show?
KG: What’s unique is that all communication is taken away. You don’t have the support that you usually have from friends and family so you rely on those in your villa for support — making your bond with everyone that much stronger. You and your partner are apart for 30 days and have to navigate single life although you’re in a relationship still. The clips that you see at the bonfires are only 30 seconds of their experience so you have to decide for yourself where they are in your relationship since you don’t have the means to discuss it directly.
DB: I don’t think there is any way you can mentally or physically prepare yourself for the type of scenario you are stepping into by going on the show.
What has been the best part about being on the show?
KG: Looking inward and self-reflection.
What has been the hardest part about being on the show?
KG: Communication is key in my relationship {especially because we were long distance for some time} and when that is taken from you, there is no way to understand how your partner is feeling.
DB: Being away from Kate for an entire month was the hardest part. Regardless of what went on in the guys’ villa, not being able to see or communicate with Kate for weeks took a serious mental toll on me.
What have you learned from being on Temptation Island?
KG: Happiness is an inside job.
DB: Being on the show helped to open my eyes to the things I need to improve on and how I need to become a better person.
What do you do for a living?
KG: I am a software sales consultant.
DB: I am in software sales.
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What’s a typical day look like for you?
KG: Right now I’m traveling a lot for work, but I always maintain my gym routine first thing in the morning. After that, I’m off to work as I’m extremely career-oriented. Afterward, I spend time either relaxing or grabbing a yummy dinner and a glass of wine with a friend.
DB: Go to the gym at 5:30AM then work then relax.
{Photo credit: @iamdavidbenavidez}
What has been the highlight in your life so far?
KG: There are so many — I’ve traveled, moved, experienced, and have never been afraid of anything that life throws at me.
DB: Being completely self-sufficient since high school.
Tell us about a business in the area you admire.
KG: Mint Market — they are so much fun and inspire women to be themselves, feel empowered, and look great at the same time.
DB: Too many shops/restaurants to name!
Hoboken + Jersey City Favorites
What is your favorite restaurant in Hoboken?
KG: Orale is a favorite or Alfalfa if I need a quick healthy bite.
DB: Orale.
What is your favorite boutique in Hoboken?
KG: Mint Market again!
DB: Oran.
What do you love most about Hoboken?
KG: Being so close to the city.
DB: The views! And the easy commute to NYC.
What is your favorite thing to do in Hudson County?
KG: I love a good facial from EC Beauty and a workout at Bum Pilates. Wouldn’t want to forget a recovery session at om.life Wellness, either.
DB: Go to any area that you can walk or eat with the view of NYC.
How long have you lived in Hoboken?
KG: A little over a year.
DB: I’ve lived in Hoboken and worked in NYC for six years.
What is your favorite outdoor place to spend time in Hoboken?
KG: All of the waterfront parks and Liberty Park are so great. I love being outdoors when we have the ability to be.
DB: Pier A Park or Pier 13.
What is your favorite place to work out in Hudson County?
KG: Project Sculpt and Bum Pilates.
Where do you go out with friends in the area?
KG: Usually in the city.
DB: I like to stay more lowkey — Stingray Lounge, City Bistro, and Halifax at the W.
What is something you think needs to come to Hoboken?
KG: More rooftops!
DB: Rooftop bars!
Is there anything else you want to share about Hoboken or yourself?
DB: Hoboken has everything you need-great bars/restaurants, easy commute to the city, and you can’t get a better view!
Keep up with Kate on Instagram at @iamkategriffith and David on Instagram at @iamdavidbenavidez!
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