I’ve lived in the Washington metropolitan area for almost six years, four of which have been in the District of Columbia. Over the years, I’ve seen many friends and acquaintances come and go, moving back to their home states, loathing their brief sojourn in our nation’s capital. Yet I have remained as a proud resident, not just of the Washington area but of the District proper.

Oftentimes, I’m asked by D.C. exiles how I could stand living here for so long. I’ve found the three most-common objections to be rather unconvincing. Here they are with a response from a defensive District dweller.