The issue wasn't lead contamination in water it was because people used leaded gasoline and lead in household paints in the 1970s. DC still has 1200+ sections of lead service lines. Generally, they don't result in lead contamination. A study was released that stated that, obviously, the risk of contamination is higher than a different pipe material.

I think lead contamination, while a contributing factor to neurological damage, is more of a red herring when it comes to behavioral issues of juveniles. Otherwise we would see a correlation with juvenile crime and lead exposure.

Sports leagues are good. DC Rugby lets people practice with no experience and even if you don't want to play going to their matches is a good way to make friends. They were advertising on the sub today so they shouldn't be hard to find. There's a ton of other intramural leagues as well.

Grad school is also still college so you'll still kind of have forced relations. A lot of feds are still hybrid/remote so DC can be a difficult place to meet new people. I would look towards your university first. If you need a friend, you can always DM for a drink.

I've been mugged in DC twice, granted that was a long time ago (both in Shaw long before it was gentrified). People get hyped on the crime but this is the nicest I've ever seen this city.

There's a Playbook in Navy Yard also I believe

I'm dead

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.

I feel you. I'm trying to just get out there and do stuff and maybe meet someone by happenstance.

Best of luck to you in your adventures!

So uhh... How's the dating going, bud?

If you're over 21 just get a handgun. Police aren't going to do anything for you.

I mean, it tracks with the carjackings.

Another issue is that because of the geography and topography of the area, if you decide to go below ground you end up having to go REALLY deep. You have to remember we are in a swamp, so you can't just go under the buildings and utility lines. You have to go deep enough that the earth won't slide or loosen due to rainfall or erosion. DC is an area where metro systems are practical, but will always be expensive to build. You also have to zone for your tunnel entry and exit assuming your previous or next station isn't underground. This is why we typically have all the underground stations in the highest density, highest property value areas along one particular line. At a certain point they become above ground because it's cheaper and not worth the cost.