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Arthur Apicella, the New York romantic who learned to love again on "Average Joe: The Joes Strike Back," agreed to field some questions from Molly Bishop.

Molly: Let's start at the beginning. How did you come to be cast on Average Joe: The Joes Strike Back?

Arthur: I answered a casting notice on the NBC website.

Molly: Did you know it was for Average Joe?

Arthur: The casting notice posted on the NBC.com was entitled Escape From Your Life. It read something like, "Do you enjoy visiting tropical locations? Do you like dating beautiful women? Are you competitive? Can you share your emotions easily? If so send a picture and a description of yourself." So I did that. It wasn't until after I was invited to be on the show that I learned it was for Average Joe.

Molly: Were you already familiar with the Average Joe shows?

Arthur: I've only seen bits and pieces of prior seasons. It was encouraging to see the former Joes because they've been through it before and could hopefully give us some pointers.

Molly: What sort of pointers did you get from them?

Arthur: The main advice the Joe Alumni kept giving us was "be yourself" and "don't change for anyone."

Molly: What did you think of the other Joes in the house?

Arthur: I tried to get along with everyone and for the most part I did. The last thing I wanted was conflict while living under the same roof with a lot of roommates.

I think I was the most vocal one about Anna. However, when the guys who went out on a date with her and returned to talk about it, I did feel a little jealous. I had to remind myself that this is a reality show and that several guys would be dating the woman I already dated. That's the first time I ever had to experience the one-woman-dating-multiple-guy-thing.

Molly: How did the dynamic change when the Hunks arrived?

Arthur: When the hunks arrived, we reluctantly made room for them. As long as the hunks were around, we Joes were en garde.

Molly: There was a night when Mike Pugliese and Chris Carson were giving you a hard time about Anna, telling you that she was only in it for the television exposure and that she didn't really care about you. How much did that affect you?

Arthur: When that argument started I was pretty vocal, throwing it right back in their faces. As the argument progressed, and the alcohol flowed, I began to look at their side. Even though I never believed them, I allowed myself to see their point. When I did that, I temporarily became upset because their claim gave me a bad feeling. The next morning, I was my old self again, enthusiastic about Anna.

Molly: Were you surprised when you saw that Chris said that he was rooting for you to win?

Arthur: I was very surprised. I called Chris after the episode and thanked him.

Molly: So you had Chris's phone number? How did that happen?

Arthur: Believe it or not, I am friends with Chris. He is one of the friends I made on the show.

Molly: What did you think about the "makeover" twist?

Arthur: The whole makeover thing spelled disaster from the moment the guys returned. First I'm in the final four -- next thing I know, I'm in the final five. It really screwed things up for a few of us. When she chose Nathan to go Tahiti, the game changed for the worst; little did we know at the time that he would be Anna's choice.

Molly: When the five of you in Tahiti were waiting for Anna to arrive, how were you feeling? Did you have an inkling of whether you'd stay or go?

Arthur: I was very excited. I also had a feeling it was the end for me. I came very far on the show, but I knew Anna and I were in two different places romantically. I was feeling so good about myself and optimistic about my romantic future that I wasn't upset when I was told good bye.

Molly: When you said your good-bye, that was honestly one of the most generous, classy good-bye moments I can remember on Reality TV. What were you thinking at the time?

Arthur: I was thinking that I had a wonderful time, thanks to Anna. More importantly, I discovered I was ready for love again.

Molly: When did you find out that Anna had chosen Nathan?

Arthur: I found out the same to you did--when it aired. I was very happy that Nathan was chosen.

Molly: Are you still in touch with Anna?

Arthur: Yes and I'm very happy about that. She is such a great woman and I love talking to her.

Molly: Looking back, what's your favorite memory of your time with Anna?

Arthur: My first date with Anna, when we were sitting by the pool with our feet in the water, talking and learning about each other is my fondest memory.

Molly: America wants to know ... are you seeing anyone now?

Arthur: I am blessed to have some beautiful, wonderful women in my life at this time (not including my mom or sisters), but I am not seeing any of them at this time. I am accepting marriage proposals at this time at www.arthurapicella.com.

Thanks to Arthur for answering these questions! If anyone wishes to send their regards, he can be reached at arthurapicella.com.