>If someone is to exercise a reasonable degree of caution, would they be okay?

Yes

Thank you for your hard work keeping the streets of DC safe!!!!

Best advice here. Definitely just go up and initiate a conversation with middle aged woman like you know them, or ask/yell for help so others know to respond.

I have a Rockville library card

My point is you can often tell who's a creep before the interaction with you begins. Nip it in the bud and leave before the engagement starts.

But also... Stay if you want. I truly don't care. Fuck me for offering advice that's worked for me.

Maryland libraries have the same subscription service. Patrons can access at least WaPo, NYTimes, and WSJ, and I think others. Stop by the library and ask, or just go online to your library account and dig around for the link.

Sit at the seats facing inside the train near the doors. This varies on different series train but there are always ones not for handicapped that make for an easy escape.

Hell, they’d even pull the sun from the sky and launch at the creep if possible.

I’ve been the woman on both sides of this “fantasy” but thanks for your input 🙄

I often wear headphones with nothing playing. So I can hear what’s going on around me but look like I’m not open to conversation

This only works if the person does not realize you are getting of the train and follow you. A big adult man getting weird vibes from a fellow passenger is not at all the same experience as a young girl experiencing targeted harassment.

I agree I’m a female student who takes the metro and I recommend always having headphones on (usually only one ear so I can be aware of surroundings) and don’t make eye contact!!! I also carry pepper spray just in case

>The best thing in these situations is what other women in this thread have suggested: talk to or pretend that you know/are with an older woman on the train.

well enjoy the fantasy that you'll run to the rescue of this poor lass!

My bad, you are correct. I was thinking of Benning.

That stretch of Benning has booze hounds and corner boys all the time. It's just better to avoid it.

Sorry, Mr Dehymenizer, but single word answers do NOT shut down convos with creeps.

The best thing in these situations is what other women in this thread have suggested: talk to or pretend that you know/are with an older woman on the train.

Tell her to sit in the first car close to the operator/conductor.

MD also has you covered! https://montgomerycomd.blogspot.com/2022/01/county-libraries-provide-free-access.html?m=1

You’ll be fine just use normal city smarts and leave nothing in your car

Bladensburg is the border between the two neighborhoods! Are you thinking Benning? What’s the deal with 18th and 19th?

I live in MD lols

You can use your dc library card to read it as well with a 7 day pass. https://www.dclibrary.org/washingtonpostonline

If you feel uncomfortable with a person or situation in your car, just get out at the next stop and quickly re-enter the next car. You aren't trapped.

I'm a middle aged, big guy and do this often when I see someone who I profile as a potential troublemaker or is giving me weird vibes. Yes, it means I am making unfair assumptions sometimes. But it doesn't really matter. If I feel someone's a little off, I leave.

LMAO

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No reason for her to put up with that and have to just put her head down. Tell her to look for help and ask for help. I would hate for my sister or daughter to put up with that and no one to help her.

I will say that if it's really bad, always say "fire". People look towards a fire, some people will reflexively look away from assaults.