The Proposal's first engaged couple, Mike Crowe and Monica Villalobos, are opening up about their romance post-show.

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"We kind of started at the end of the relationship and we're working backwards," Mike, who proposed less than an hour after meeting Monica on The Proposal, told People.

"We're just starting to get to know each other, but it's 100 percent real. I never thought I'd find someone like Monica."

Monica added, "I got into this hoping to find love, and it's really exciting that it seems to be happening!"

Monica was one of 10 women who competed for Mike's heart in four pageant-style rounds of competition -- including swimwear and "dealbreaker questions" -- on The Proposal's debut episode, which filmed about two months ago, according to ABC executive Robert Mills.

"I had an instant attraction," the police officer from Bakersfield, CA, said of Monica. "As soon as she came down the stairs I knew, that's the girl."

Monica wasn't able to catch a glimpse of Mike until the final round, but she was "really impressed" with what she saw.

"He's so my type. And I'm not really a PDA girl but our first kiss was perfect. Mike is a really good kisser!" Monica gushed.

Mike admitted he had "a little doubt" going into the accelerated process of finding love, but in the end, "it worked" because he got to meet a beautiful girl like Monica.

Monica had reservations herself about appearing on the show, but she revealed to the magazine, "The guys I was dating weren't really working out, and I hate dating apps. I saw The Proposal on a Facebook group and I thought I'd try something unconventional."

And Monica said she doesn't agree with criticism The Proposal is sexist and ridiculous.

"I know the viewers may be skeptical about the whole premise. I know I was," she reasoned.

"But when you're actually in it, the emotions are so real. I'm really happy that I did something crazy and I got to meet someone as well. And I never felt objectified in any way."

Once the show wrapped filming, the pair went out for dinner, according to People, and they talked over pizza and beer.

"I was surprised by how much we have in common," Monica noted. "We like the same kind of music, we love our dogs. We have a lot to talk about."

Although the individuals must drive a few hours to see each other given Monica lives in Anaheim, CA, they are successfully making a long-distance relationship work.

"We FaceTime every night and we see each other at least once a week," Monica said of their commitment. "It's crazy that it all worked out like it did."

While Mike was ready to pop the question after no time at all, the couple plan to take their time when it comes to actually getting married.

"The proposal is a promise to give it a shot," Mike explained. "It's a promise to go out on some dates and give it a chance at love. And it's still working out! Maybe we'll look at a wedding down the road. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."


About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski

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