Hi friend! I promise DC is not that scary. Of course bad things can happen anywhere, but if you exercise reasonable caution (don’t yell on 14th street about how many hundred dollar bills you have in your wallet) you will be fine.

Depending on where you are from there might be more homeless folks out and about, some who will be having some mental health issues or may be asking you for money. Be kind, but hold your boundaries.

Remember that most people are just going about their business and are actually pretty decent. Mind your own business, be friendly, and if someone yells at you on the street near the Chinatown metro— ignore them.

Consider talking to a therapist about your anxiety to work on coping skills.

Try to enjoy yourself. Go to a museum. Walk along the National Mall. I love it here, and I hope you do too.