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Dating Diaries: Max Schwartz

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Want to know what dating in DC is really like? We do, too. We convinced several area singles to share their dating adventures with us over the next few months. Stay tuned for their tales and opinions. And, of course, weigh in with your own thoughts. Today we introduce Max Schwartz.

By Kelly DiNardo   Published Monday, November 03, 2008

Photograph by Chris Leaman.

Max Schwartz, 23.

Lives in: Washington DC.

Makes a living: Blogging on legal issues.

Background: I grew up in Minnesota and went to school in New Hampshire. For the past year, I was working in Idaho for the National Park Service. Then I moved to DC in June. So far, the career-type choices I’ve made have been about fleeing the place I was in. When I was in Minnesota, I said I wanted to put a mountain range between where I grew up and where I went to school (Dartmouth). Then I wanted to get out of New Hampshire—I loved my time there, but it was time to do something else. I didn’t want to get stuck in the same kind of situations that I see a lot of people get stuck in—jobs that aren’t that interesting but pay well. I went to Idaho and worked with the park service’s forest-fire group, mostly on communication issues. Then it was time get out of Idaho. I always wanted to end up in DC. I’m really interested in politics. DC has the kind of people I really like—ambitious and outgoing but dorky.

Dating history: The social dynamics of the places I’ve gone through have been kind of odd. The high school I went to was a small college-prep school. Because everyone was in everyone else’s business, it discouraged people from dating. I went on dates but didn’t really date. Then right away my freshman year of college, I jumped into my first super-serious relationship, and we dated for about 13 months. For the rest of my college career, I just bounced around. Dartmouth is small, with a lot of overachievers. It puts together an odd dating community. Since I left, things have been a lot better. I’ve had a series of semiserious relationships that lasted about two months, and then we stayed friends. I’m still at the point where dating someone for six months seems like a pretty long time.

First-ever date: Dinner before a Valentine’s Day dance in the ninth grade.

Comments

max seems like a cool guy who doesnt take himself too seriously. get overselves people, you’re just mad you weren’t profiled.

Posted by: anonymous, Nov 12, 2008 12:26:01 PM

He is totally cute! I have a new crush.

Posted by: Awww, Nov 10, 2008 12:16:16 PM

You guys are all awful and must be really depressed about your own pathetic lives to be trashing someone who is completely putting themself out there, trying to be happy. You all are sad!

Posted by: Lara, Nov 09, 2008 09:43:08 PM

I can kind of see where readers see the comparison between Max and a little leprechaun, or possibly Bilbo Baggins from Lord of the Rings. I’ve always imagined leprechaun’s having at least tiny pot of gold. From Max’s comments regarding his inability to obtain a well-paying, interesting job, it seems Max is far removed from even the slightest chance of financial success. His wayfaring lifestyle between Minnesota, New Hampshire, Idaho and DC remind me of Baggins’ mindless travels in Lord of the Rings. My previous relationship involved a con-man who pretended he had money. Do to the embarrassment and pain it caused me, I think my next relationship would involve a man who is admittedly poor. However, I still require a man, not a hobbit

Posted by: Anne Hathaway, Nov 08, 2008 02:27:15 PM

Good food and the great outdoors? If it were up to me I might add a stroll around some of the Smithsonian Museums.
Overall this aspiring librarian is particularly intrigued by the liberal blogging.

P.S. Does Max make passes at girls who wear glasses?

Posted by: Dina, Nov 06, 2008 08:26:04 PM

MORE OVERTON PLEASE!!!

Posted by: The Defenestrator, Nov 05, 2008 03:48:21 PM

Ladies, I know Mr. Frodo better than anyone else. Together, we traveled to the black gates of Mordor; we laughed; we cried (although that was mostly reserved for Mr. Frodo). Ours was an intimacy not known by many a Hobbit or a man.

When he absconded to Idaho to fight forest fires, as a "communications liasion", it felt as though part of my soul left with him. Sure, I found some consolation in shacking up with Pippin, but it just was not the same.

Treasure him always

Posted by: Sam Gamgee, Nov 04, 2008 10:01:55 AM

Since it seems that this reader, named Phil, has nothing nice to say about any of the guys (jealous?) maybe he should talk to the writer (Kelly) and have his picture taken so all can give their thoughts on his looks. But, you know, it wouldn’t matter because someone filled with such ugliness is always going to be an ugly person.
Seriously people, make it constructive not just mean to be mean. If you want to be mean then leave your phone number to back it up you spineless witts.
Good luck to all the daters :)

Posted by: A Challenge to Phil, Nov 04, 2008 08:15:07 AM

elfin magic! Does he live in a hollow tree?

Posted by: sara, Nov 04, 2008 06:59:08 AM

Oh wow! I was thinkin the same thing- Lucky Charms box. Moi leprachan-ese!

Posted by: Bebe, Nov 04, 2008 06:36:43 AM

I think he is cute, and he seems really funny from these answers. You’ve got fans, Max!

Posted by: Elizabeth, Nov 04, 2008 06:20:26 AM

What a catch!

Posted by: Rose, Nov 04, 2008 05:49:46 AM

Boy, just mean comments on all three guys profiles sofar. Why is everyone so cruel? They are all great in their own ways, totally eligible, and have huge cojones for doing this in the first place!

Posted by: hating haters, Nov 04, 2008 04:45:53 AM

he is a sexual beast who will haunt your dreams. ]

Posted by: the dude, Nov 03, 2008 07:12:18 PM

I don’t know why you people have to be so mean.. He’s adorable!

Posted by: Caity, Nov 03, 2008 07:00:43 PM

Oh my god! I know this guy! Holy crap! He’s famous!

Posted by: Maxfan007, Nov 03, 2008 06:50:12 PM

Dios Mio! El es Bilbo Baggins!!!!! Que bueno.

Posted by: Pedro, Nov 03, 2008 06:49:31 PM

He looks like Bilbo Baggins from the Hobbit!

Posted by: Timothy, Nov 03, 2008 06:47:53 PM

He reminds me of the hobbit. He has the distinct Baggins features.

Posted by: Fr. Frank, Nov 03, 2008 06:47:44 PM

Oh my god I’m going to wet my pants if that Kim comment is not a gimmick....

Posted by: Che, Nov 03, 2008 06:25:57 PM

Doesn’t this guy remind you of Bilbo Baggins from the Hobbit? I bet he was called Baggins in college.

Posted by: Kim, Nov 03, 2008 02:47:10 PM

Can we PLEASE get some people who are not constantly at U street trying to be hip and edgey???

I mean, seriously.

Posted by: Kate, Nov 03, 2008 02:18:35 PM

Phil, you are a hilarious source of one-liners.

Posted by: Phil fan, Nov 03, 2008 02:15:02 PM

This guy’s mug belongs on a box of Lucky Charms.

Posted by: Phil, Nov 03, 2008 02:05:59 PM

I am a nice Jewish girl who is seriously intrigued by Max...any chance you could set us up? I’d be willing for it to be published if this sways you one way..

Posted by: Aviva Berman, Nov 03, 2008 11:24:22 AM

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