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 to face. From sitting next to someone in class to hitting Bar Review, things that once seemed 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 guest is Chance Maginness ’22.
Hi Chance! Welcome to Love in the Time of Corona. This week’s edition is a little different in that you’re not in a relationship. How would you categorize your relationship status—Single? Ready to mingle? Focused on yourself?
I don’t want to come across as desperate, Benjamin. That being said, I am single and ready to mingle, but not in a desperate way. I’m content with where I am, but I wouldn’t be opposed to someone scratching my back and giving me compliments. It’s a fine line to walk.
Pictured: Chance expertly practicing self-love. Photo Courtesy of Chance Maginness ‘22.
I’d imagine it’s a bit more challenging to mingle with the state of things right now. How has ye olde Corona been for you?
Definitely, but this is where the not desperate thing comes into play. Quarantine has obviously been bad for most people; but for me, it’s been good. I’ve come out on the other side a better person.
Elaborate.
Well, before everything went remote, I was really concerned with the social dynamics of law school and what others were doing and where I fit in, but now I’m far more focused on me. I mean, when the world stopped, I really had nothing to do but watch Tiger King (remember that?) and focus on myself for the first time in a while. I started getting into healthier routines with eating and exercising—I’ve actually lost about forty pounds since it started. I’ve started seeing a therapist to keep my mental and emotional health up as well. In many ways, I feel like I’ve started to hit all the boxes of “getting your life together.” I still consume enough cold brew to kill a horse, but you can’t win ’em all.
Good for you! Self-love is never letting anyone cap your coffee consumption. But seriously, that’s all pretty inspiring. Have there been any other silver linings (or challenges) from quarantine for you?
I’ve read a lot of books! It’s amazing and rare to read for pleasure in law school. Specifically, I’ve been reading up a lot on queer studies, which intersects with an independent research project I’m doing this semester. As for challenges, not being able to go to Bilt or Crozet Pizza with a double fresh zen in hand at Bar Review has really done a number on my psyche.
Michael’s Bistro’s zens > Crozet’s, but you didn’t hear it from me. Speaking of beverages, which one best epitomizes you and why?
A venti cold brew from Starbucks, with two shots of Kahlua (can I say that?). I’m full of energy and anxiety, which is the cold brew, but I’m also subversive enough to take the edge off, like the Kahlua.
We at the Law Weekly allow uncensored speech in regards to beverage hypotheticals. Back to the self-love though and getting in touch with yourself, what have you come to love or appreciate anything about yourself most?
I think it would be my relationship with my body. It’s much healthier now than it was, and I’ve learned to be nicer to it. There’s a fine and weird line that I tried to walk between body positivity and losing weight. I learned that what was more important for me was not necessarily losing the weight, but rather building a better relationship with my body so it can perform as best as it can for me. I’ve learned to listen to it and myself, and I really love that now.
Snaps for that. Let’s do a lightning round. Best Charlottesville date spot?
Carter Mountain. It’s really pretty and has amazing vibes to just relax in. If so inclined, you can pick apples or peaches too.
Dream location to quarantine in?
Somewhere in Estes Park in the Rockies. It’s beautiful and if I had to stare at the Pavilion dog park for two weeks straight, I’d lose my mind. Maybe London if cities are on the table.
What’s the first activity you’ll do when things go back to normal?
Inform my professors that I will not be in class for the week and head straight to Bilt or Crozet.
Which movie character are you and why?
I’m the Witch from Sondheim’s Into the Woods, in that I’m the catalyst of most stories. I’m always correct, and when nobody listens to me, I just leave. Actually, I’ve just listened to an outrageous amount of Sondheim musicals this summer.
Best advice for self-love?
Buy more mirrors for your house. You can’t hide from yourself when your reflection is staring back at you from everywhere you look.
Normally, this is where we ask couples to say something cute about each other as a surprise. You can say something to yourself, but that might ruin the reveal. Otherwise, take a free space:
If you’re reading this and you think to yourself, “how could I possibly love myself?,” that’s okay—don’t worry about it—you can just love ~ME~ instead. Follow me on Twitter and Instagram at @givegayachance.
And there you have it, folks. Many thanks to Chance for joining us on Love in the Time of Corona and teaching us about the importance of self-love. 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