1. Race through the Metro doors as they’re closing.
Spring down the escalator and jumping through the Metro doors just as they close is one of the most satisfying feelings.
2. Dodge tourists.
Some Washingtonians are so great at this that they can dodge tourists without even looking up from their iPhones.
3. But also take a tourist’s photo.
Someone taps you on the shoulder even though you’re doing the "DC Dodge" with your head down and of course, you stop and snap a photo of a group tourists. Because we’re not actually that rude.
4. Give directions to the White House/Mall area.
It doesn’t seem to matter if you are on U Street or Georgetown, people always just want to get to the monuments and the mall. While we’re tempted to tell tourists that there is so much more to experience in DC, we dutifully tell them exactly which metro or bus to take.
5. Explain which way to go on the Metro.
Similarly, no matter what metro line you are on, you are able to tell the lost suburban tourist which direction they want to go in order to get to Arlington (Or the White House).
6. Find the cheapest happy hour and brunch in their neighborhood.
DC is not known for being especially affordable which is why Washingtonians have to be savvy when it comes to their dining options. Sure, we might splurge on a few meals here and there, but everyone in the district is quick to find their go-to cheap eatery that is just around the corner!
7. Parallel park — if you drive. that is.
Not everyone in DC drives a car, and the reason for that is sparse and frustrating to find parking. However, if you do happen to drive your car in the district, you have serious parallel parking skills.
8. Talk politics.
It’s an unfortunate side effect to living so close to the heart of politics in this country. Washingtonians have political conversations like people in other cities have conversations about the weather.
9. Name drop.
Maybe not everyone in DC does this, but so many people do that it’s a skill worth knowing. DC is a power town and the best way to show your power is to show who you know. Get your anecdotes about the one time you saw John McCain at a Starbucks because it just might come up at that dinner party.
10. Find free things to do.
Again, Washingtonians are already throwing down quite a bit of cash to live in the district, so we’re always finding cheap and free things to do. Luckily, this city does not hurt for free attractions.
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