It seems like only yesterday that Bachelor Jason Mesnick caused a national uproar by dumping Melissa Rycroft on national TV. While Melissa is happily rebounding on Dancing With the Stars, it's now time for another Mesnick dumpee to have her moment. The Bachelorette's Jillian Harris spoke to reporters today from Hawaii, where she is filming the final weeks of The Bachelorette, premiering May 18.

See previous Bachelors and Bachelorettes

This will be the first season in which the show premieres before production is completed. Filming is expected to wrap toward the end of May.

For the record, here's what Jillian puts on her hot dog: Mustard and sauerkraut.

Q: How do you feel about [Bachelor producer] Mike Fleiss speaking to to Melissa and Molly before approaching you?
A: I was the third choice on last season. I know what that feels like. I'm comfortable with that. Obviously, there's going to be other people considered for this role. I'm just a short little hyper Canadian. I don't think I fit the mold of the Bachelorette very well. It doesn't come as a surprise to me they would have asked Molly and Melissa first. It makes me feel really happy that they declined.

Q: Have you been watching Melissa on Dancing With the Stars?
A: I have been keeping an eye on her, and I know she is in the semi-finals. I miss her so much. I can't wait to see her, and I'm so proud of her.

Q: The show strongly insinuated you had relations with [Jason Mesnick]. How far did things go?
A: I think that's the most inappropriate question ever. I'm normally a very open girl. Anyone can assume that if we went into a hot tub and had a steamy makeout session, you can assume we quote, unquote, "did it." Even if I had or hadn't, I don't think that's a question that should be asked. I think being a 30-year-old grown woman ... people can look at me and who I am as a person, and they are entitled to their opinion. Let's say I had slept with Jason, I don't think that's anybody's business.

Q: Do you and Jason keep in touch?
A: Jason was helping me quite a bit to make up my mind to do this. He really supported me, and Melissa supported me. But when I knew I made the decision, I had to sort of cut off my relationship with Jason. But it's temporary. And I definitely will be friends with him again. ... I honestly think Jason is a really great guy. Even after he let me go after last season, I don't think he led me on. He followed his heart and he put his reputation on his line, but it's for love, and I feel like right now they're still together and they're still happy so hopefully they will prove everybody wrong.

Q: If you were invited to Jason and Molly's wedding, would you go?
A: If I was in the romantic place I want to be, I would go. I can't imagine myself showing up solo. I don't know why that makes a difference, but I'm just being honest, that's how I feel.

Q: This season there were more bachelors than ever before. Was that overwhelming?
A: Oh my gosh yes, I was very overwhelemed. I didn't know how to react. You're spreading yourself thin if you've got one night to connect with 30 suitors. It's very hard.

Q: There's no Canadian guys in the running. How do you feel about that?
A: I didn't know there was not going to be any. ... But what if there were three of four Canadian guys? What's better for me, someone who lives in Seattle or on the West Coast, or someone who lives in Toronto? [Jillian lives in Vancouver.] I am a proud Canadian, but I've learned there's not a huge difference between American guys and Canadian guys.

Q: Have you surprised yourself in who you've been attracted to?
A: Absolutely. There are guys I keep because they're exactly what I want on paper, but they don't make me feel the way I should. I have for sure surprised myself. I've had to throw that paper away.

Q: Do you feel pressure to get engaged in the end?
A: There's nobody saying I have to get engaged. I don't want to commit myself to somebody just because I signed up for this. I want to commit myself to that person because I'm crazy about him. That is one thing I'm sure of in the end, whether you see me choosing somebody or not choosing somebody, I will do it because that's what I truly feel.

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