Dolores Catania is stepping into a new Housewives world, and she’s already noticing some major differences.
As she joins The Real Housewives of Rhode Island as a “friend,” Dolores opened up to Bravo TV about what filming was really like compared to The Real Housewives of New Jersey — and let’s just say, it’s not the same vibe.
While Dolores made it clear that Jersey will always come first, she didn’t hold back when comparing the two.
“Jersey is always in my heart, and comes first, and, you know, I’m loyal,” she said. “I will never disparage Jersey in any way. Do not talk s—t about Jersey.”
But even with that loyalty, Dolores admitted Rhode Island brought a sense of calm she’s not used to.
“It was nice to get away from the scene of Jersey,” she shared. “New Jersey’s more of a fast hustle and bustle. So, for me, it was much more calm here.”
One of the biggest differences? The way the women interact.
“I was able to really speak to them like friends. And they listened — unlike Jersey.”
Yes… she said it.
Dolores explained that stepping into a “friend” role also changed her experience completely.
“Being a friend was certainly fun. I felt like I wasn’t involved in a lot of the visceral drama and the hard stuff,” she said. “I actually really got to enjoy it, instead of being sometimes stressed.”
Instead of being in the middle of chaos, Dolores joked she took on a different role entirely.
“I was also the wellness team behind the scenes — just letting you know.”
Despite the change in pace, Dolores said she connected quickly with the new cast, thanks in part to her friendship with cast member Liz McGraw.
“Me and Liz became friends a few years ago. And we got very close, very fast,” she shared, adding that she instantly clicked with the rest of the group.
“In a really crazy way, I felt like I knew them forever.”
Still, as the only seasoned Housewife in the group, Dolores knew she had to step in with some advice.
“You’re putting your life out there. You don’t know what to expect. You don’t know what’s coming. There’s a lot of self-doubt. You have to be thick skinned,” she explained.
Her biggest warning?
“Don’t look at social media. Don’t respond to negativity. Don’t give it light.”
And it’s advice she actually follows herself.
“I’m not gonna sit there and read stupid s—t comments by somebody I don’t know. I don’t really care.”
While RHORI may bring a calmer energy, Dolores made one thing clear — she’s still Jersey at her core. But if Rhode Island stays this peaceful… she might not mind the change of pace.