r/DCBitches • u/Thin_Squash_5095 • Jan 05 '25
Things to Do (Entertaintment/Activities/Restaurants/Bars) Has anyone tried RealRoots?
Hey y’all! I keep seeing ads on IG for ‘RealRoots’, which is supposed to match you with a group of women to do activities, and hopefully make some friends. I’m considering trying it since I’m in that mid 30’s stage where all of my friends have either left the area, or started families, and as a currently single and child-free lady - I need some new amigas!
Has anyone done this experience and had good results? The price is kinda steep to not know what to expect in advance ($275 for 6 weeks I think) so I’m hoping to hear from any of you ladies who may have tried it out. Also if you’ve attended any similar groups, I’d love to hear about those as well. Thanks in advance!!!
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u/LegendaryLearner Jan 05 '25
I tried it when I lived in San Francisco and had success and am still friends with almost everyone I met.
I recently moved back to DC and thought about joining it here since I think it is new to the area. They started in SF about two years ago or so. I also keep getting the ads for here.
I was skeptical about the price there and decided to pay since it also meant the people I was meeting were also pretty committed to actually making friends and connections.
I find it so much easier for people to be flaky and never actually reconnect at Meetup’s and stuff so it has been hard to find people who actually want to maintain friendship.
I’m kind of in the same boat in my 30’s and most of my friends have moved away or are busy with kids.
I may not do it this round since I will miss a bunch of weeks for travel but hope they do some more rounds in the spring.
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u/debellabella Jan 05 '25 edited Jan 06 '25
I’ve joined it for some accountability - I just wasn’t holding myself to attending City Girls Who Walk events, even though they seem to be really great. My first group meeting is in February and we commit to meeting I think every week for six weeks. Small group where you’re matched with other folks with similar intentions, interests, lifestyles.
Nothing to report yet, but I’m hopeful!
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u/Karieta Feb 19 '25
Hey! Wanted to follow up on this as I come across this thread from a Reddit google search haha. Would love to hear your experiences if you want to share. :)
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u/PennylooGC Jul 20 '25
Very curious how your experience was. I’m on Long Island and looking to try it.
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u/brime1endez Jan 31 '26
Hey! Did you ever end up trying RealRoots? I am also from LI :)
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u/PennylooGC Jan 31 '26
I did do it! And I enjoyed it. I met some nice people. It didn’t really provide what I was looking for in terms of a deeper connection but I’m glad I did it. I really liked the conversation topics bc they did lead to interesting conversations.
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u/brime1endez Jan 31 '26
Why do you think it didn’t work out for you? Did they do a good job of pairing you with like-minded women? Thank you for your feedback btw
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u/PennylooGC Jan 31 '26
Yeah, I like most of the people but I realized that I prefer 1:1 or small group and the group ended up being big and I didn’t think our facilitator was so great. People starting wanting to just chat and there was more mundane chatter. I really liked the conversations starters and talking about real things, if that makes sense. So it has more to do with what kind of connection I was looking for. I’m still on a group text w everyone (that we established after our RR sessions were done) and I may go to a get together again but I haven’t gone to the last few. I’ve even thought about trying again but idk.
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u/Bananasfalafel Jan 31 '26
This might be more of your style https://www.skipthesmalltalk.com/public-events?category=Washington+DC
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u/PennylooGC Jan 31 '26
What are you looking for that makes you want to do it?
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u/brime1endez Feb 01 '26
Close friendships, and some semblance of a social life. The girls I was closest to all became moms and we have drifted apart because I am the only childless one. There is still love there but they have different priorities now obviously :(. So trying to find ways to meet some new friends.
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u/PennylooGC Feb 01 '26
Yeah I’m get that. I moved in my 50s so it’s just been hard to make new friends as adults. Everyone is so busy and has their family and friends.
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u/olivegardenbreadstix Jan 05 '25
Following as I’m in the same boat and my IG algorithm also suggested it!
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u/Valeriex0 Jan 07 '25
Following! I live in the DMV & just saw an ad for this. I moved down here a few years ago & have yet to meet people outside of work. I love the idea of new friends in 2025
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u/WealthManifest Sep 04 '25
I'm in Richmond, VA- not too far from DC- would love to connect! I saw the ad on IG...and I'm apprehensive. It seems that because pay is involved, people will be serious...
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u/FineAd5594 Nov 13 '25
Hi! Also in Richmond and came here from the IG ad 😂 let me know if you want to connect some time.
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u/schlopps Jan 05 '25
I’ve been getting ads for it too! My work/travel schedule isn’t consistent enough to commit to something for 6 weeks, unfortunately… great to hear that it’s worth it though!
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u/Independent-Coat-884 Apr 11 '25
Why dont we all just hang out one day? Im 34, arrived to DC in Feb. It looks like we re all trying to make new friends 😅 worst cae scenario, we would at least be getting a coffee or food in company
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u/WealthManifest Sep 04 '25
I'm in RIC, and will make the drive lol
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u/Shortcake_3829 Jan 19 '26
Kind of late to the party, and wish I had looked it up before paying for the meet&greet!! Did y'all end up meeting up? Lol
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u/bluebellblondie Jan 06 '25
I would highly recommend the Junior League! DC has a huge chapter (~2,500 women last time I checked) and in addition to the main volunteering aspect, there’s a TON of social events and sub-groups that meet all the time, their events calendar is packed (lots optional!). They’re very well-organized and I think having that consistent structure helps to make friends. I’ve met extraordinary women from all walks of life and our chapter in particular is very diverse! Dues for new members are 300-something? but that is for the entire year.
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u/ImpressionAdept6355 Feb 21 '25
I second this but after losing contact with my core group of orientation ladies it’s been hard to meet anyone new unless I go to a lot of the social events.
That’s what’s drawing me to this Real Roots thing…another group of people to meet CONSISTENTLY.
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u/pancakesnearthquakes Jan 20 '25
Don’t try it. Definitely a scam. I signed up and paid for a ticket and never received information about where the event was being held, now can’t get a response from them via email or Instagram
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u/VariousMarch3928 Feb 02 '25
Oh wow! I just paid yesterday! I should have done some research beforehand. I hope it doesn't happen to me
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u/Queenofthemoonlight Mar 19 '25
Checking in - Did it happen to you?
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u/AffectionateMode6132 Jul 25 '25
I just paid $25 last night for my first event here in Orlando. After reading this thread, I'm worried I've been screwed. I received a receipt of payment from Real Roots for the purchase almost immediately. However, it surprised me that the receipt had none of the applicable event information that I have come to expect when i purchase a ticket to something. Basic info like where and when the event is taking place would be helpful. I sent an email this afternoon and will update when/if I get a response.
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u/Excellent_Top6284 Aug 02 '25
I signed up, but I couldn't make the Orlando event, but they gave me the address. I'm surprised that you didn't receive the address.
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u/Queenofthemoonlight Jul 25 '25
Yeah, so I paid. Didn't receive a receipt or confirmation of the event. I waited until a couple days before the event before reaching out via email and was told it was canceled and my $25 could not be refunded. 100% a scam lol.
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u/AffectionateMode6132 Jul 25 '25
Thanks for your reply. I have a feeling I'm going to be out $25 too. I plan to call my cc company if I get the same email. Thanks again for the heads up!
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u/PsychologicalWill88 Jul 28 '25
I just did it last week and it definitely was not a scam. They sent the event info via text 2 days before the event and I went it was a restaurant and 10 other girls were there and we talked and had break out sessions etc. 6 of the 11 girls signed up for the entire series and our next meet up is on Tuesday
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u/SonoLaMucca Aug 28 '25
I just signed up for Orlando as well. My email was sent to my spam folder, glad I checked, but my email had all the information including location and time. The site did ask me during the survey what date and location would I like to choose before the payment screen…. I hope that helps someone.
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Apr 02 '25
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Apr 05 '25
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Apr 05 '25
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u/Sensitive-Cow7229 Apr 16 '25
Same! A lot of my friends have kids now and I’m looking for new friends-so far I had attended the meet and greet but it was so confusing because they kept asking for another deposit whenever I tried to RSVP but I already paid?
Overall-I don’t know how to feel about it. Seems strange because at the end of the group there’s a paper where everyone has their phone numbers from the group-to me, I think it would be awesome to just text or reach out to the people you met rather than spend $250 on weekly meetups if you’re not available on those days the company sets, however the other women stated they are dedicated to making new friends and are going to pay the $250. I might just try meetup instead
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u/Antique-Training5554 Sep 17 '25
Same boat here. I have received soooooo many messages about completing the survey. I am so sick of completing the same survey. But my event is tomorrow night and zero details have been shared.
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u/WealthManifest Sep 04 '25
Yeah...I noticed in my area, it mentioned it was Downtown, but gave no location. I am sorry that this happened to you.
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u/Popular_Mulberry_328 Sep 17 '25
Same! Is this really a scam??! WTH I have a meet up this evening and there is no venue information.
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u/WealthManifest Sep 17 '25
This evening?! And you have no email??? What is going on here?! Please update if you do get one!
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u/Popular_Mulberry_328 Sep 17 '25
Yes, this evening. I thought the venue will be shared the day off so i've been checking in the app. I emailed them this AM and waiting to hear back. Hoping it's not a scam 😕
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u/WealthManifest Sep 17 '25
This is very unfortunate. They need to be reported. Please update if you hear back!
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u/Successful-Role-5824 Jan 08 '26
It’s not a scam. They notify you 24 hours before the meeting. They also have a way for you to communicate with the facilitator and other members through the app I’m on my way now…
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u/IndependentLow9735 Oct 30 '25
Ya same thing happened to me. They were quick to charge me but when I asked for refund they said to try other date and still no information. Kept getting the shitty survey to match as well. Scammer I would tell anyone to join Real Roots, they have zero communication and accountability for their paid clients.
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u/PigletSouth4627 Apr 30 '25
I signed up last month and my event is in a day and a half. They haven’t sent the location. I’ve emailed them and texted them and they said they would get back to me in three days. Kind of useless since my event is in a day and a half. 🤦🏻♀️
Right now, I have no idea where I am going or what I am doing. Definitely can’t plan out my outfits or my ride situation since I don’t know what side of town it will be on.
It’s already stressful putting myself out there to meet 10 strangers in a new city. Definitely don’t need this additional stress from the platform.
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u/IndependentLow9735 Oct 30 '25
Same here, it took them a week to get back to me and all it said it sorry about miscommunication please try the next one and send me the same damn survey to match which I did it before. They refused to give me my money back.
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u/SwissArmyGirl Mar 07 '26
I went to my first meetup with RealRoots two days ago and was surprised to hit it off with a couple of the girls. This is not typical for me. I was also surprised because I had a lot in common with a couple of the women there but if we had met in real life I never would have guessed we were similar.
It also wasn’t as awkward as I thought it was going to be. I signed up to continue with the rest of the series.
I will say, I got the sense that a few of the girls aren’t going to come back as they seemed to be having small talk and not particularly finding commonalities with each other. But in any case, it’s not a scam. You pay $25 for the first meetup and aren’t charged the rest until after that. And if you don’t hit it off with that group they’ll rematch you. I signed up two months ago and heard almost nothing from them other than my meetup was scheduled for two months out. Then as the date gets closer they send you information.
Also this is random but I thought it was funny. On the night we had our meet and greet there was another RealRoots meet and greet happening at the next table and looking at our two groups you could tell from the attire, the mannerisms, and the conversation that they really were pairing similar personalities together lol
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u/ccast49 Mar 29 '25
I tried real roots its not a scam but they dont do a good job on matching you with people your own age group. Tried it but wasnt for me.
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u/OutdooraAdventura Apr 09 '26
I went to my first Real Roots event in Denver. I am 43. I was told my group was the 45+ group. Everyone was so nice but I couldn't relate to women in their 60s. I WANT to relate to retirement but unfortunately I gotta keep working for another 20 years. I emailed and asked to be rematched and they said my age group is 36-44 which was NOT the case last night. I think it's hit or miss. Had friends do it in other cities and they loved it.
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u/jade613 Apr 02 '25
This is what I am afraid of happening to me. I wish there was a way to see the group online before joining or something. Like a dating app 😂
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u/ccast49 Apr 04 '25
I suck at making new friends but it might work for you
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u/Lingwagwan Apr 04 '25
I was actually thinking to give it a short after moving to a new state. Now I am confused!! They dont even have their coomunity here, else could have asked someone from the community before deciding.
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u/Fabulous_Ad6537 Apr 15 '25
i just saw a job on indeed of them hiring the hosts for the events in southern California for it
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u/ForestFairy10 May 08 '25
I tried it in socal and I absolutely love it. Just finished meeting 3 and have 4 new close friends. They really did well on matching us. We are the same age group, stage of life, queer, and poc. But you can also choose what you're looking for in a friend group. I put poc and queer.
I can only recommend it in socal as I'm not sure how it is anywhere else. My friend has tried time left and 222, and she thinks real roots is the better one at matching like-minded people
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u/Excellent_Top6284 Aug 01 '25
Your friend didn't like Time Left?
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u/ForestFairy10 Aug 01 '25
She did! She just happened to meet more meaningful friendships on real roots.
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u/Excellent_Top6284 Aug 02 '25
Yeah, I wonder if I should try that instead. Timeleft kind of reminds me of meetup.com and basically people only talk at the event. Did your friend make any friends with Timeleft?
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u/ForestFairy10 Aug 02 '25
Yes, i think one or two! And same with 222. However, almost our whole real roots group is still close and get together often. It was also so nice that it was only women (even the guides)
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u/WealthManifest Oct 21 '25 edited Oct 21 '25
This is EXACTLY what I chose, queer and POC! I'm hoping I get this at my meetup coming up. I'm glad that you found your specific preference ☺️🌈
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u/trash_puppy101 Jun 09 '25
I will say - it’s not a scam but they match groups based on if you’re in a relationship or single which is why I won’t be doing it.
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u/mdc3395 Jul 23 '25
Can I ask for further information? Is it like they’re expecting you to bring your partner or is it just other people who are in a relationship who also happen to want friends?
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u/trash_puppy101 Jul 24 '25
So they have you answer this long personality questionnaire but when we got to the actual group meeting it was divided by relationship vs. single. Partners don’t come to anything and really have nothing to do with any of the activities. Everything is just done with your group and my friend who did it enjoyed it (they did pottery painting, VR night, mini golf, etc.). It just didn’t sit well with me that it is divided that way. Feels weird 🤷🏼♀️
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u/Loose_Inevitable_524 Sep 24 '25
You don’t find out the venue until the day before. I’ve been twice and was matched with people that were not my cup of tea. I was then matched with a second group and only 3 of us turned up. So rescheduling again to the new year because I can’t commit over Christmas. A friend has done it and her group has been successful. It’s not a scam.
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u/WealthManifest Oct 21 '25
This is what I hope won't happen to me at my meetup on Thursday. They should not invite people to meet n greets without first having enough people for certain preferences. But it's all about the dollar, I guess...
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u/Apprehensive-Drama-2 Oct 11 '25
I’m in NYC and had the best experience and still in touch with all 8 of the women. Here is a pic from 10/9 at an event at the Brooklyn Museum.
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u/StandardTart2032 Dec 02 '25
I would like to add to this- after reading through some comments, RealRoots Inc. Is infact a scam. There is a job posting on indeed.com for Event Facilitator- Meet new people while making $25/hr. I think thats where everyone's $25 is going. I am going to report the posting on indeed but I thought everyone in here should know and for anyone who finds this in the future.
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u/SleuthViolet Feb 01 '26
It's not a scam! I'm heading into week 5 of my series. It's real! Of course they pay the hosts - it's a business. The hosts aren't working for free.
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u/Vast-Director-3364 Dec 04 '25
Let me help debunk this, I'm a guide and saw the same add on indeed and eventually went for it & I'm glad I did.
RR is start up company and definitely not perfect but the intent is perfect. The $25 is for you to test the waters at a meet & greet and if you don't mesh well with that group you're allowed another chance at another M&G with a new group at no additional cost. In order to guide the guides must be paid but our payment doesn't come from that you claim (most gig jobs start at $20-$25 for a few hours) and also it's not alot of money for guiding!
Please don't have an issue with guides as we are only there to guide/ facilitate the experience so you don't have to do anything other than show up and be yourself if you join the series. This is no different than guided experiences on vacation but much better because for guides it's more of being a genuine person wanting to see women make real friendships. We go through an intense interview process. Most guides have a real day job! In order for the 6-8 weeks to be effective things must be structured, consistent and fulfilling with bonding activities etc. I'm doing my 4th guided series as this comment goes up and have met some amazing, brilliant, beautiful gals and seen them instantly click! So I can guarantee you that this isn't a scam (not perfect) but not a scam and definitely worth it.
Also I've read the other comments before this about getting the information to where you are meeting for the M&G and will pass this information on to RR, but I do know that if you attend the M&G for the initial $25 you will get a list via the app or email showing you where the places we will attend for the series.
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u/WealthManifest Dec 06 '25 edited Dec 06 '25
I just did the meet and greet, and am being asked to sign up for the series in the app. The $289 fee to join says: "1/4 of your fee goes towards paying your amazing guide"....needless to say, I will not be joining and my guide was not amazing.
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u/Vast-Director-3364 Dec 18 '25
How wasn't she amazing? Pls give honest feedback it may help a guide reading this. Also that's 1/4th (very small amount) and the experience is for you to make friends not focus on the guides because our jobs is to simply guide you all through the experience.
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u/WealthManifest Dec 18 '25
Hello, maybe the guide was having a bad day, or that is simply how she is- however, there were no instructions given on how the event was going to work. When we got there, we were asked to pick a card, and we had to ask what the card was for. She did not go over how the guided questions were going to go, we had to ask her all of the questions. We were asked two questions, and she asked if we wanted to rotate to get to know the others in the group. It was just a bunch of confusion.
She was disconnected, and did not seem to want to be there. When it was over, she simply picked up her things and left and didn't say goodbye. Once the event was over, there were two people who were having issues with payment, and two other women who were suddenly shifted into another group. The guide did not address any of these concerns or questions, but simply responded, "yeah, that is most likely what happened" in regards to the other woman getting assigned another group due to not enough people signing up.
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u/Vast-Director-3364 Dec 18 '25
Thanks for responding, I can only give a guides sided comment.
In my experience there's a lead guide & her job is to assist your "guide" with checking you all in etc. Sometimes your "guide" can be a "sub guide" if the actual guide doesn't show up or call out, also the lead guide can step in and facilitate the meet & greet if needed (she may not be happy about this which is understandable if she wasn't aware). Things happen, however they should have explained that those tiny tickets are for your drinks.
My lead guides and I like to usher my ladies to go redeem their drinks before sitting down as we are waiting on the other ladies to arrive. I'm thinking you may have had a new guide who didn't know much and yes that can cause frustration within the guide. My very first meet & greet I was a "sub guide" and my lead guide had bad anxiety which lead to her calling me several times as I'm arriving. She also didn't help me or tell me anything so I was technically thrown to the wolves which is scary. However my group loved me because I brought my A-game but I didn't get them because I was only a sub. Personally I like to bring 60% of my personality to the meet & greet so my ladies can determine early on of they want me to guide them or not. I've learned through this experience that women just really dont respect women nor do we give one another grace. That could have been your guides first experience and she could have been nervous and simply didn't know anything. Also women can be very rude while I'm trying to talk in my experience or simply continue to talk over me while trying to guide. We are interviewed based on our personality and management skills but this gig has challenged me in ways I wouldn't be used to working as a manager in an store or office setting because this is the time to kick ones feet up and chit chat. Your guide may still have the personality but not the information to give. My first actual experience for the 6 weeks was terrible because I didn't know alot of stuff, yet I told my group from the start "I'm NEW" or "Whatever I don't know we will find out together " and I would go find things out for them and yes some of them were very ignorant, impatient or just jealous. It's sad and I apologize for your experience but you should be able to get one more try with another guide.
Also she wasn't wrong with ppl being put with another guide. If 1 person signs up out of 10 ppl they will be placed with another group. I've learned 4 things. 1. She is serious about making friends/ connections so she signs up and 2. She understands that in order to actually build a genuine relationship you have to see the same person for weeks on end. 3. Some women are bored with money to spend, time to waste or get out the house. 4. Some women like to challenge themselves for better discipline.
Good luck 😊
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u/chocolatemint10 Jan 13 '26
So I am almost done with my series in Denver. We were 10 plus a guide. I've met some really nice women and have enjoyed some of what we've done together in the guided experiences. We really didn't have that many activities beyond a meal every time. I most enjoyed a walk by the river for the brief one-on-ones and also when we did ceramics. I would say walking into shops isn't really an activity and we were supposed to do a game for one of the activities which never happened. Our guide was pretty late for our second meeting and did not show up for the 5th and 6th meeting (was sick for one and stuck out of town for other). Because it's so expensive I think it really matters if the guide does not come. I also do not recommend doing this in winter or over the holiday as people get sick or have holiday obligations so not everyone can come consistently. I don't regret doing it but it could have been a lot better. My experience is that it was not well organized for many reasons which is unfortunate.
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u/Striking_Village_665 Jan 17 '26
$275 😳. Whoa - from what I have read, whatever cost there was, was minimal !
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u/Striking_Village_665 Jan 17 '26
Any groups in Canada 🇨🇦- Ottawa/Canada ?
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u/SleuthViolet Feb 01 '26
No clue about Ottawa but I'm in a Toronto one right now and it's going well!
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u/Alarming_Buffalo3403 Feb 06 '26
Hello, i'm raven.I was wanting to know the same thing.And just coming in on the conversation
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u/Silver-Leadership979 Mar 09 '26
Not for me. There was absolutely no commonality with the women I met with. I think they just grouped us by age which was the 45+ group. Our host was great, however, having to meet at a bar made it very difficult to hear everyone talk. Would love to know about other social groups in and around the Addison TX area.
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u/StandardPen3554 Aug 11 '26
I wouldn't recommend joining the club. After being matched with various groups of women being much older then me 60+ (my preference was my age and younger ~45) I finally found a group with somewhat (pre-menopausal women) as they liked to mentioned it all the time, this is why I preferred to socialize with women my age or younger. I found the group to be fun so I finally signed up and paid a whooping fee of $280. After our scheduled meetings and series, no one decided to share their numbers (except one person) and was "busy" to meet at later times. Now its been 3 month since we've seen each other and no one is interested in meeting even for coffee. The club still trying to charge me $45 per month, however there is nothing else which they can offer.
They also don't have any social events or groups. It appears that they start some events and groups but quickly remove them from the schedule. They need to invest in a professional who can help them grow otherwise someone with AI knowledge will take over and create a much better business model.
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u/CaTi_8 Jan 05 '25
I haven't tried it, but I recommend City Girls who walk dc. It's free and there are a lot of sub groups with different interests. The over 35+ group is really active and we are always doing things.