How to Get Away from Freaky People on the DC Metro

It never fails. You sit down for a long, quiet ride on the DC Metro train, and the guy in the seat across from you is talking to himself. How do you get away?
Perhaps he thinks you are the President-- after all you are just a few stops away from the White House. It is important to get away from those who could be dangerous, and keep them from getting angry and following you. Just follow these steps to keep yourself safe.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Newspaper
• Hat
• Headphones
• Sunglasses

How to Get Away from Freaky People on the DC Metro

1. Avoid freaky people from the start. If you see someone talking to his or herself, walk away and get on a different train car. Put as much distance as possible between you the person you are trying to avoid. If you happen to get onto a train with a freaky person, sit far away.

2. Don't make eye contact. That means no staring. Its best if you act like the freaky person is not there. Eye contact is an invitation to strike up conversation. Or, in the freaky person's mind, it could mean you are best buddies.

3. Act busy and hide your face. Use a newspaper to shield your face-- especially if you look like a politician. Act like you are reading and too busy to acknowledge the freaky person putting on a show.

4. Act asleep without shutting your eyes. Because the DC Metro trains go inside tunnels and on outside rails, it is not uncommon to find people wearing sunglasses in the dark. Wear a hat and sunglasses, curl up, and rest your head on the window.
   If you look asleep, the freaky person may try to be quiet and leave you alone. Just make sure to keep an eye on the freaky person, so you can make sure he or she is staying at a safe distance from you.

5. Do not listen to the freaky person. Put on your headphones and turn up the music. If the freaky person starts talking to you, act like you don't hear the conversation. The freaky person will soon get tired of trying to talk to use and will move along to someone or something else.

6. Change cars. Act like its your stop and get off the train. The moment the doors open, run to the next car. Don't let the freaky person see that you are changing cars. He or she may think its a game and try to catch you at the next stop.

7. Change trains. If the freaky person is too obnoxious to ignore, get off the train and wait a few minutes for the next one. In D.C., trains could come every two minutes during rush hour. It's best to act like its your stop and walk toward the exit until the train with the freaky person pulls away. Just make sure the freaky person does not follow you.

8. Enjoy the conversation. Let's face it. Sometimes, you just can't avoid freaky people. Try to look at the situation differently. You could be sitting next to someone who seems a bit freaky, but is actually harmless and very nice. These people find beauty and significance in the little things. If you can't get away, try to enjoy the conversation. If you feel threatened, you could call security.

Tips & Warnings

• No matter how freaky a person seems, be as nice as you can. When it comes to people on drugs, being rude could cause them to get angry and even physical. Your safety comes first.
• You could ask the person to leave you alone. This is a last resort. It could cause the freaky person to ask you all sorts of questions, or become angry with you.

Resources

• Metro Safety and Security

[tundranut]

on 10/27/2009 I like Step 8 the best...just go with it sometimes, and if you have to, you can always call security. Life's about diversity, right? And what's a little freak infusion? Whether DC Metro or NY Subway...all the same. Thanks 5*