AOL Chat Transcript 4/25/02 LIVEBronwyn: Welcome, AOL members, to a chat with The Bachelor star Alex Michel. If you haven't done so already, you can take a moment to vote in the EW/AOL poll and let the world know who you think will win. Keyword: EW Poll. You can also visit Keyword: Meet a Man and see articles about the show. Lastly, you can check out Keyword: TV and see when 'The Bachelor' is airing around you. And send me your questions for Alex. I am sure there is lots you want to know! Alex, the members are very excited and can't wait to ask you tons of questions about the show and yourself. Before we jump in, how are you doing tonight? Alex Michel: I'm doing great! I'm excited to watch the big finale tonight! Question: How did you get picked to be The Bachelor? Alex Michel: A friend sent me an e-mail. I thought it sounded like any guy's dream, so I applied. I had about 10 interviews with the producers, went through a blood test, drug tests, psychological tests and had private investigators call friends and old girlfriends. They put me through the ringer, and in the end, I just got lucky. LIVEBronwyn: OK, Lkpalmer1999 wants to know: Question: How many morning shows will you both be on tomorrow? Alex Michel: A lot! We'll be on Good Morning America and the Today show. LIVEBronwyn: Ooh, a juicy tidbit … Qbee27 wonders: Question: Looking back on the whole experience, is there anyone who you cut who you wish you hadn't now? Alex Michel: I had a few mornings where I thought I might have made a mistake the night before, but I think I got the right two finalists and the right one person for me. LIVEBronwyn: There is so much gossip floating around... are you and the chosen one still together? Talk to Lizzy asks: Question: What is it like having your relationship taped 24/7? And don't you feel it's a bit degrading to women to subject them to this cat-and-mouse kind of game? Relationships should be considered sacred. Alex Michel: Believe it or not, we quickly forgot about the cameras. The women and I were so intent on getting to know each other, we didn't have time to worry about the cameras. But there were certainly moments when we could have used a little privacy! The critics who say this is degrading to women aren't giving the women who did this enough credit. They weren't ready to marry whatever guy walked through the door. It was a two-way street, and they were checking me out as much as I was checking them out. I have a lot of respect for all of the women who participated. They are adventurous, self-confident and brave. Question: How do your friends and family feel about you being The Bachelor? Alex Michel: My friends are thrilled! A lot of my friends have e-mailed me to thank me for getting them back in touch with more of their old friends from my high school and college, etc. A lot of them are having The Bachelor — watching parties — yelling, throwing stuff at the TV. LIVEBronwyn: Schodgirl wants to know about Shannon: Question: Weren't you shocked at how Shannon was so nice and then totally flipped out at you? Alex Michel: Shannon is great. We just didn't work out as a couple. I think the cameras and the fact that I was dating other people really bothered her. LIVEBronwyn: BrwnEyezNJ asks: Question: I would like to know what qualities went into Alex making his decision, and was he pleased with the outcome? Alex Michel: I tried to make my decision based on who had the most long-term potential for me in terms of being a good friend as well as a romantic partner. I'm very happy with how it all worked out. LIVEBronwyn: Simplethsinlife has a great question for you, Alex: Question: Would you recommend doing this type of show to another man/woman looking for someone? Alex Michel: I would definitely recommend it. This experience is one of the coolest things I've ever done. It's a great adventure, and you just might meet the right person for you! LIVEBronwyn: Take a second and look back at the experience. Lucy430 asks: Question: Alex, I know it feels like a long time since this all began. Do you feel you have had long enough now to make a decision? Alex Michel: Even though the experience was short — it was only six weeks — it was really intense. The women and I skipped all of the small talk and got to know each other really fast during dates that sometimes lasted 18 hours. I feel like I've known the two finalists for a year. LIVEBronwyn: Our members leave no stone unturned. ReederWI wants to know: Question: Hi, Alex! I wanted to know if you're ticklish, and if so, where? Alex Michel: Yes, I am — all over! LIVEBronwyn: Lauresch asks: Question: What will life be like at a normal pace after all this activity and media attention? Will you be bored? Alex Michel: I hope not. I'm actually looking forward to getting back to normal and experiencing life without limousines for a while. LIVEBronwyn: Think hard about this one … Lola97 wants to know: Question: How would you rank the following characteristics in a mate in order: love, money, looks, sexual chemistry, class and family? Alex Michel: Love, sexual chemistry, family, looks, class, money. LIVEBronwyn: SilverCloud907 asks: Question: What were you thinking when Shannon turned around and started walking back towards you? Were you nervous? Personally, I loved Shannon! Alex Michel: I was a little nervous. I didn't want to get slapped. LIVEBronwyn: We are coming to the end. We will ask the last question now: Question: What should we expect from tonight? Alex Michel: Tonight should be pretty incredible. At 8:00, 7:00 Central, the 23 women not in the finale watch never-before-seen clips and dish about me. I am very nervous! Then at 9:00PM, 8:00 Central, I bring Trista and Amanda home to meet my family, take each of them on one final date back in Malibu, make my decision, and let them know what it is. LIVEBronwyn: Alex, it was so great having you. Alex Michel: Thank you very much! LIVEBronwyn: Be sure to tune in tonight, ABC at 8:00PM ET, for the The Women Tell All, and 9:00PM ET for the actual finale. Good night, Alex. Good night, everyone. Chat provided courtesy of AOL.