Bravotv.com: What do you think of Andrew’s description of Karen now that you’ve met her? What did you think of her advice to you about respect?
Ashley Darby: Considering the chilly reception I had into the Potomac circle, Andrew's description of Karen had me rethinking if I was really that pressed to get into Potomac's circle! I was prepared to have another mean girl moment upon being introduced to Karen and Charrisse, but those feelings were soon put to bed. Karen was incredibly chill when I met her - I thought, maybe I can get down with these women after all! One of the greatest lessons my mother taught me was to start at 100% with everyone and let them do the math for you.
I am all for respect, especially for those who deserve it. But I hate pretentiousness - there is no time for anyone to act like their sh*t don't stink. That being said, I value people having tolerance and a mutual understanding for each other. I will take Karen's advice and adapt it into my philosophy on respect, which is to keep it totally trill (true and real) to who I really am.
Bravotv.com: How do you think the whiskey tasting went, considering Gizelle’s comments about the whiskey and the Potomac ladies’ distaste for the venue?
Ashley: The whiskey tasting was all that and then some! I chose Barrel because it's a cool spot that I know none of the ladies had been to, and it was neutral territory for everyone. No one was going to sit in the wrong seat or play footsie with any crabs! I felt that this was a great opportunity to remind the women that there is life outside of Potomac, with new and interesting experiences. Michael and I love to try new venues and step outside of our comfort zones - life is so boring inside of a bubble.
As for disliking the thematic venue, that was ridiculous. Knowing that bourbon is aged in a barrel and this place is a bourbon bar, it makes sense that the dining area is a dark, intimate space just like, wait for it...a barrel! Kudos to them for being creative about how they designed the space to fit with their theme. After working with architects for three months to create a subtly Australian restaurant that didn't have kangaroos all over the walls, I know how challenging it can be. At the end of the day, the fact that everyone left on stable ground after gettin' down with the brown made it alllll worth it.
Bravotv.com: What were you thinking as Gizelle defended her THOT comments and finally apologized to you?
Ashley: I was not surprised - I cannot expect someone who would use such a divisive and offensive word to actually think about what she's saying. When the conversation began, I knew she would keep preaching the same sermon about me acting 'hoe-ish,' but I was prepared to move on from that. Since I'm a happily married woman who likes to have innocent fun, her description didn't fit me, so there was no need to keep my panties twisted in a bunch. Mickey wouldn't like that ;).
The reality is I still have the vitality of an outgoing and energetic young woman, and that may have rubbed Gizelle and Robyn the wrong way. I did not intend to offend them, so I'm glad we could squash it. Don't get it twisted - by no means do I think the ice queens have warmed up to me, but we need to just savor these moments of peace. I'm sure this is just the tip of the iceberg with these cougars anyway!
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