Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

DCGinkgo t1_jaagt60 wrote

Reply to comment by pomegranatecloud in how to thrive in dc with no big city experience? by Fresh_Dragonfruit702

One thing to note is that DC is a Southern city. I'm from further north on the East Coast where ignore and walk away is definitely the thing to do. But in DC, I've found that even if you don't want to engage, nodding no politely, or a "sorry" no (thanks) is good to defuse potential hostility. Most people will just then move on.

16

crossedtherubicon20 t1_jaakk85 wrote

I don’t know. I moved to the area in 2020 and early on encountered very aggressive pan handlers. I learned to ignore them. Straight up don’t acknowledge them or just say no and turn/walk away.

13

DCGinkgo t1_jae98hf wrote

I have had better luck in DC acknowledging people's existence instead of dissing them, even if I don't give them a cent. But ignoring people can escalate certain encounters. It's a case by case crapshoot. That's been my experience. Went to school here-stayed for years. Then left for years. Came back. Still works. YMMV.

1