12 Unwritten Rules Every Washingtonian Lives By ‘Til Death

Parking is terrible but don’t even try to risk it in a no park zone. You will get a ticket, end of story.

We know DC teams break our hearts but you never cheer for the enemy.

Everything shuts down at the hint of snow. Don’t tempt fate.

It doesn’t matter where you are going or what time you go, you will hit traffic and it will be frustrating. Be sure to plan ahead.

We might have lots of trendy restaurants with lines around the block that you should absolutely try. But some of the best restaurants don’t do look very appetizing from the outside. But every good Washingtonian knows the best food comes in surprising places.

It is not the same thing. If you have to cross a bridge to get into the city, you are not from the city.

This isn’t just a rule in theory. It’s an actual upheld rule that everyone in the city follows.

It might be rude but it’s the Washington way of life. We introduce ourselves, find out each other’s names and then almost immediately, we find out our occupations. Don’t be weirded out if someone does this to you.

We’re not the south. We do not have accents. We are not southern.

That $0.05 bag tax will get you every time. Always bring a reusable bag.

If there is one rule you should learn right away, it’s this one. Never stand on the left side of an escalator ever.

In DC, you’ll meet people from many different walks of life. It’s a melting pot of diversity and new experiences. If you’re open to everything you can learn and experience in DC, it will find it’s way to your heart.