Ben Stievater ‘22
Events Editor
Although it’s been nearly six months, many aspects of our “new normal” continue to present challenges that can be strange and frustrating. From sitting next to someone in class to hitting Bar Review, things that once seemed like a given feel far away, or at least vastly different behind a mask and six feet apart. We’ve been forced to connect more creatively in our professional, personal, and—we’ll say it, you smokeshows, you—romantic lives. Indeed, like a professor explaining the holding five minutes past the bell, love continues on, so we at the Law Weekly thought it would be intriguing, pleasantly distracting, and (dare we say it) heartwarming to hear how couples and singles alike are handling romance in light of all these changes. You've heard of Love in the Time of Cholera, but get ready for Love in the Time of Corona.
This week's guests are Noah Mussmon ’22 and Bryn Maxson, a graduate student working toward her master’s degree in kinesiology at UVA.
Hi Noah and Bryn! Welcome to Love in the Time of Corona. Let’s start with some background—how did you two get together?
Bryn: Hi Ben! We met on Bumble in the spring of 2019 while both here at UVA for undergrad. We messaged each other, played two-truths-and-a-lie, and the rest is history.
What’s the coronavirus situation been like for you two?
Noah: We initially stayed here in Charlottesville when things went remote in the spring and were basically living together. I had a summer internship up in NOVA and Bryn also came with me up there. We’ve spent literally every day together for the past six months, which sounds like a lot on paper, but has been wonderful. It’s brought us much closer and showed us we can live with each other through the good and bad.
Growing closer together seems to be a common silver lining for a lot of couples I’ve interviewed. Any other specific silver linings?
Noah: We got a kitten named Pelapi!
Bryn: We also watched a TON of movies together, a disproportionate amount of which star Reese Witherspoon. If anyone out there is ever wondering whether to watch her 2010 rom-com How Do You Know, don’t.
You better hope for both our sakes that Elle Woods doesn’t read this column, Bryn. Let’s do a lightning round. Describe each other in a word or phrase.
Noah: Bryn is super energetic. Even when I’m exhausted from schoolwork, all it takes is seeing her to change my entire mood.
Bryn: Thoughtful. Noah is always doing little things for me that will never fail to make my day. For instance, two weeks after our first date I mentioned to him that I was bummed out that I wouldn’t be able to go home to my family’s house for Easter that year. He put together an Easter basket for me and left it outside my apartment for me to find that morning.
Pictured: The beautiful couple taking a quick break from hiking to pose for an adorable picture. Photo Courtesy of Noah Mussmon ‘22
Best Charlottesville date spot?
Noah: I’m partial to the Virginian on the Corner. We had our first date there, and it’s such a staple in Charlottesville. It’s got a lot of history and character, as well as great food and fun times.
Bryn: The rooftop bar at the Graduate on the Corner. There’s a beautiful view of Charlottesville from it, and they make one hell of a Moscow Mule.
Spirit vegetables? (Animals are overplayed, we at the Law Weekly are avant-garde interviewers.)
Noah: Are potatoes a vegetable? (Starts to Google.) Actually, I don’t care, Bryn’s a sweet potato. She eats them constantly, and she’s sweet.
Bryn: Two can play at that game. Noah’s a red onion because he eats them all the time. He also has many layers.
Noah: I’m pretty sure that’s a quote from Shrek, are we really going to put that in?
We’re really going to put that in. It’ll be all ogre the Law School, Noah. What do you admire most about each other?
Noah: I would say Bryn is very full of life. She brings out the best in people around her.
Bryn: I admire Noah’s dedication. He can put all his energy into what needs to be done, and I’m always amazed by his motivation.
First activity you’ll do or place you’ll go when things return to normal?
Noah: I want to go to a movie without worrying about that stray cough from two rows back.
Bryn: Travel! I want to go hiking in Utah, I think.
Lightning round over! Paint me a word picture of your favorite memory as a couple.
Answer: Early on in our relationship we went out to Gap View Ranch & Kennel in Harrisonburg, Virginia. It’s a golden retriever breeder with dozens of dogs and puppies that you can go and play with. That alone was magical, but afterward we explored Harrisonburg and ended up finding this empty arcade where we just played games with each other for the rest of the afternoon. It was such a pure and fun day and one of the first full days we had spent together as a couple.
That sounds…golden. Let’s pivot back to coronavirus. How did you keep things running smoothly with all the time spent together?
Noah: I actually worked in person at my internship, so during working hours we had a built-in period of time to do our own thing. Otherwise, we just fell into established roles after a while for our “new life” and things pretty much ran themselves. Bryn would make the popcorn, and I would clean the pot. We got pretty in sync.
Bryn: We also went for a lot of walks in the evening after Noah came home from work! He also occasionally needed time alone after work, which we got good communicating about. Once or twice, I caught him just lying on the bed in his suit staring at the ceiling.
Now That’s What I Call Law School, Noah. Last question: What is one thing you would want to say, in public, possibly in front of the whole Law School (or at least our readership), to each other?
Bryn: It’s kind of cliché, but Noah has been my rock during this uncertain time. I’m particularly stressed about my own future and career, but Noah always brings me back and reminds me things will be ok. He’s the best teammate and partner I could ask for, and I’m always certain about that.
Noah: I just want to say thank you to Bryn. She’s stuck with me through the highs and lows of law school so far and is always so patient and supportive even when I’m not at my best or most fun. I love you, Bryn.
I swear I’m not crying; I’m just chopping onions! Many thanks to Noah and Bryn for joining us on Love in the Time of Corona and sharing their coronavirus experience. Are you a couple that’s been separated or getting creative during this social isolation period? A single who’s desire to mingle has been curtailed by COVID-19? A platonic friend or member of a family who wants to share how you’ve been making it through this together? Love comes in all shapes and sizes, and we want to hear about it! Email bes4cf@virginia.edu if you or someone you know might like to be featured on Love in the Time of Corona.
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bes4cf@virginia.edu