By Angela Zatopek

One of the biggest steps in a relationship is when you meet your partner’s family for the first time. I believe there is truth to the saying “you not only marry the person but also into their family.” This week on Ready For Love, Ben’s family visited from Texas to meet all of us, and I couldn’t have been more impressed with how sweet and genuine they were. Being the first girl to meet them, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous, but I felt like I would have a lot in common with them based on my conversations with Ben.

We spoke a lot about both of us being from Texas since that is a huge factor in having something real after this process. I joked saying Ben was “geographically desirable” since Houston and Dallas aren’t far apart. I immediately clicked with his sister JoJo and his mother Soroya; they reminded me a lot of my own mother and sister.

I’ve obviously shared my choice to wait until marriage for sex, and I feel it’s something primarily focused on during the show. I’ve never told someone’s family abut my decision, but it was almost as if his mom was indirectly asking me about my beliefs. I thought it was important to be real with them, to show my intentions and how much I value an honest relationship. All things aside, though, there is so much more that defines me as a woman. That’s a choice I made, not a characteristic, and I definitely want to make that clear to viewers. In my real life, I barely even talk about it.

Another thing: Has anyone else noticed I seem pretty serious on stage nights? Editing certainly has a way of portraying me as a bit stiff, and all the girls on the cast, my family and my friends would definitely attest to that not being true. With so many different scenarios going on, I guess the more serious content is making the cut!

Related Link: Ready For Love, Episode 6: Finding Love in Paradise

Back to this week’s episode. Ben told me he was very close with his mother, and I too am extremely close with mine. My mom is from New York originally, and she’s a strong woman with a cut-to-the-chase attitude. Right away, I could tell that Ben’s mother had those same qualities. I knew it was important to convey to her and JoJo that I was there for the right reasons. Given that my own mother is so important to me, I had a lot of respect for Soroya. I was definitely missing my family after this date, but as you’ll see next week, I’m finally reunited with them in Houston.

At this point on Ready for Love, our huge mansion in the hills seemed even bigger since there were only four of us left. It was a tough week for me when the girls brought up Allie not being there for the right reasons. I was in between a rock and a hard place since Allie was one of my closest friends. She was the very first girl I talked to – before I even knew that she was there for Ben and we were competing against each other. In a weird way, we were each other’s biggest support since we were away from our family and friends. Trust me, you need someone to talk to all day!

I tried to stay out of the drama, but feelings were also rising for Ben at the point, and as I previously said about Keri, I had to ask myself: Was I there to make best friends or see if I had something with Ben? When Giuliana asked me my opinion, I didn’t want to lie and say I disagreed with Renae and Tarryn. I knew it was the matchmakers decision, so I wanted to leave it at that. Things clearly escalated, and that was probably one of the most awkward car rides back to the house after stage night. After that, I felt like the middle man because I got along great with both Tarryn and Allie.

Related Link: Ready For Love, Episode 5: Angela Zatopek Discusses the Drama in Vegas

Ready to get away from the drama, I was excited to finally go back to Texas and introduce Ben to my family. Here’s a rundown of the gang you’ll meet on next week’s episode: My mom is an amazing mother to me and my siblings. I’m basically her clone, and she’s more like my best friend than my mom. John is my Italian stepfather. He loves Roman history and has a collection of swords and shields – he isn’t afraid to bring them out if someone messes with his daughters! My dad is a spiritual leader in my life; he’s a great man of God who is always so supportive. Still, he definitely had a hard time understanding why I was going through this process. Audrey is my younger sister who has artistic talents like you wouldn’t believe. She taught herself how to play three instruments (guitar, mandolin and ukulele); she sings; she’s fluent in Spanish – and she’s only 21 years old! My identical twin brothers, Josh and Chris, are 20 years old and absolute studs. They’re athletic and smart and have bright futures ahead of them. I should add that they’re heartbreakers, but I get the final say on who gets by since I am the protective older sister.

Hope everyone can tune in to see my amazing family! Until then…

By Marisa Spano

For now the world will have to make do with only Blue Ivy as far as Jay-Z and Beyonce’s kids go. Jay-Z addressed the latest rumor that his wife, Beyonce is pregnant with her second child. He spoke to Hot 97 Radio to deny the report, says UsMagazine.com. As for Beyonce, she is staying busy, with a recent Saturday performance in Milan.

How do you keep a pregnancy under wraps at the beginning stages?

Cupid’s Advice:

It’s hard to keep the fact that you’re preggers under wraps, especially from work and family members, but Cupid has advice to get around it:

1. Get there first: If you are going on an outing with friends or family, make sure to get to the restaurant/bar first so you can ask the bartender to make your drinks without alcohol.

2. Excuses: If you are having morning sickness and you don’t want people to guess that you’re pregnant, blame it on a sickness or food poisoning. This will only work for a short period, but it will buy you some time for now.

3. Wear sweaters and scarves: Big sweaters and long scarves that hang will help hide any weight gain in the early stages. With all that fabric, how will anyone ever know you’re pregnant?

What are some other ways to hid your pregnancy at first? Share your ideas below.

By Lori Zaslow and Jennifer Zucher, founders of Project Soulmate

It’s no surprise that famous faces from Hollywood are pressured by their intense jobs and hectic schedules. The spotlight is always on them, but they don’t want the same burden in their personal life. So how can they keep their romantic relationships out of the prying public eye?

Related Link: Use Your Five Senses for a More Fulfilled Love Life

One way to feel in control is by prolonging their engagement, which ultimately adds time to the courtship phase of a relationship. After all, what’s the rush? For example, Miley Cyrus wants to focus on her career instead. She’s young, and it’s important that she accomplishes her goals first so that she can truly enjoy the engagement phase. Similarly, Kristin Cavallari, who’s currently planning a July wedding, has been engaged to Jay Cutler since 2011, but they decided to focus on raising their son Camden before tying the knot.

Your relationship is supposed to be one of the most sacred parts of your life – which is why many celebrities also hide their wedding plans from the press. For instance, Jay-Z and Beyoncé tied the knot in 2008 in a top-secret ceremony that Beyoncé didn’t speak about for six months after the fact! Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel’s wedding guests didn’t even know the location of the event until right before the big day. Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied as well as Anne Hathaway and Adam Shulman are two more examples of celebrity couples who planned secret ceremonies.

Related Link: Justin Timberlake Refers to Wedding Day as “Magical”

Of course, there are a few perks of a longer engagement, like lots of engagement gifts and more attention from friends and family. The only downfall to a longer engagement is…will they ever make it down the aisle?

For more information about Project Soulmate, click here. 

By Marisa Spano

Catherine Zeta-Jones just completed her ongoing treatment for Bipolar II disorder, according to People. Jones, 43, entered treatment for the second time in April and has just returned home to her husband, actor Michael Douglas, 68. “She’s doing a really good job of getting balanced. I’m proud of her,” said Douglas.

What are three ways to support your partner through treatment or rehab?

Cupid’s Advice:

Marriage is hard enough as it is, let alone adding in a partner in treatment. Cupid is here to show you the way:

1. Bring in the family: Encourage your loved one to continue with their treatment program, knowing the family cares. Support goes a long way when it comes to recovering from both physical and mental ailments.

2. Take care of you: It may sound weird advice, but you have been giving this person most of your attention and in order to help your significant other you must be the best you that you can be.

3. Ask what they need: This may sound basic, but it can be challenging. Treatment or rehab can be one of the most difficult things your partner has ever been through. You need to know what you can and cannot discuss about the process with your partner. You need to be aware of when they need you close or when they need space.

What are some other ways you can support your partner through treatment or rehab? Share your ideas below.

On Saturday, May 4, 2013, our founder and executive editor Lori Bizzoco spoke to graduate students at William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey. She discussed the challenges and benefits of being an entrepreneur as well as what’s it like to run a digital media company.

By Sarah Gooding, PlentyofFish for GalTime.com

Mad Men never change, regardless of how much time has passed.

Don Draper may have seduced women in the 1960s fantasy world of advertising, but his modern day version is very much alive today, especially in the world of online dating.

As a product manager with the world’s largest online dating site, PlentyofFish, I can tell you Don Draper and his coworkers – Peter Campbell, Roger Sterling, Paul Kinsey, etc., are all online, looking for women and relationships.

So what would Don Draper’s online profile look like if he were on PlentyofFish? He would be fairly easy to spot. In fact, you may have viewed a modern day Don Draper, or even emailed him without realizing you were interacting with a charismatic, serial womanizer.

Related: Secrets to Being a Man Magnet

DON DRAPER

A modern day Don Draper will ooze confidence. He won’t hesitate to ask you out. Online dating is a perfect platform for a Draper-type because communication closes the deal in his world of work and pleasure.

Draper would also do very well with profile views on PlentyofFish. He would get a lot of emails from women, but not just because of his good looks. In fact, his profile pictures probably wouldn’t even be close-up photos. His pictures would be full of mystique, perhaps even downplaying his chiseled good looks behind muted sunglasses. That’s because Don Draper doesn’t identify himself by his handsome features. His confidence stems from his ability to achieve success and women on his own terms.

You need to remember Don Draper seduces us into buying things for a living. He moves us to action through the poetry of his words. In the online world, a modern day Draper will use that charm to seduce you into believing you are special. Be careful not to fall for it. As for profile details, don’t expect to see income listed under a Don Draper profile since money is a private matter. However, intelligence is important to him; his educational background will be listed.

Related: 10 Bad-Boy Celebrities We’d Love to Date

PETER CAMPBELL

A modern day Peter Campbell doesn’t have that confidence, which is why he will sprinkle status hints in both his profile and emails to women that is he from an elite class.

If you’re interacting with a modern day Peter Campbell, you will hear him name drop in conversation and emails. He won’t have any qualms about listing his salary on his profile.

ROGER STERLING

Roger Sterling doesn’t need to create an online profile with all of his women, unless he is between his relationships. If you meet a Sterling online, you will know it by his genuine expression. If he tells you in an email that he likes your dress, he probably means it. Unlike Draper and Campbell, Sterling says what he means and means what he says. As for details, a Sterling type will list himself as “Family Centric” and describe himself as a “Big People Person.” He might even post pictures of himself with friends and family.

PAUL KINSEY

If you watch Mad Men, you will know Paul Kinsey, but you may not remember him. The online world of dating is full of Paul Kinsey types who grow on you over time. They don’t stand out in the crowd until you meet them in person. And when you do meet them, you will find they don’t have the social graces of a Don Draper or Roger Sterling, but they make you feel at ease. A Paul Kinsey isn’t going to be Type-A. He’s the guy who will like to smoke and listen to jazz, so he will definitely list “Very Easygoing” under his profile.

We all know every woman has a type, so don’t be afraid to hold out for that Don Draper or Paul Kinsey type. PlentyofFish knows they are alive and online.

Once a cheater, always a cheater – fine. But can you cause your boyfriend or girlfriend to cheat? Yes, you can! In this week’s video, dating mentor Laurel House talks about how to drive your partner into someone else’s arms – and what you can do to avoid it. She believes that confidence is key to keep your partner from straying. Don’t let your insecurities rule your relationship by focusing on everything that’s wrong with you or your partnership; instead, let your confidence be your guide and always have fun with your love. Make them feel lucky to be with you! Watch for more great tips to keep your relationship a happy one and ensure that your significant other remains faithful.

For more information about our dating mentor, click here.

How do you keep your partner from cheating? Share your tips with us below.

By Kerri Sheehan

Jessica Alba and husband Cash Warren are still happy in love five years after walking down the aisle! The two met on the set of Fantastic Four and have two daughters together, Honor, 5, and Haven, 3. According to UsMagazine.com Alba dished to iVillage, “Making time for our relationship in our daily routine — even though it’s surprisingly predictable and may not seem as spicy as our spontaneous pre-kiddo days — [it] really helps keep the romance alive.”

What are some little romantic things you can do to make your anniversary special?

Cupid’s Advice:

There are many ways to make your anniversary special. Here are some suggestions from Cupid:

1. Hidden envelopes: After being married for five years the honey moon phase tends to dull down a bit. Take this day to remind your partner of the reasons why you love them by stashing hidden messages around the house. Their morning cereal box, their brief case, and taped to their shampoo bottle are some clever places to hid them!

2. Make a mixed CD: Almost everyone uses music to express their feelings and mark special times in their life. Include songs that remind you of your partner and songs that define your relationship.

3. Do a scavenger hunt: Leave clues where your spouse will see them and bring them to all of the places where your “firsts” happened, ex. First date, first kiss etc. Be sure to be waiting at the end of the hunt with flowers and big smile.

How do you make your anniversary special? Share below.

By Kerri Sheehan

Country singer Chely Wright and wife Lauren Blitzer Wright welcomed two new additions to their family on Saturday, May 18 in the form of identical twin boys. Forty-two year old Wright told People, “We are grateful for all the amazing medical care and the love and support of family and friends.”

What are some ways to make sure your identical twins are individuals? 

Cupid’s Advice:

Just because your twin’s faces are identical doesn’t mean their personalities are. Cupid has some advice on how to make sure your identical twins are individuals:

1. Dress them differently: People often fall into dressing their identical twins, well, identically but this almost guarantees that your children will not feel like themselves. As soon as they’re old enough let them pick out their own clothing so they don’t end up feeling like two halves of one whole.

2. Different haircuts: It’s hard for outsiders to tell identical twins apart. Giving them different haircuts will give people a distinct difference to focus on when distinguishing one from another.

3. One-On-One-Time: Reserve special time in your week to spend with each twin individually. This time will be beneficial when it comes to bonding and it will also help you get the know each child as their own person.

Do you have twins? How do you make sure they are individuals? Share below.

By Courtney Allen

Rich, famous and in love… the characteristics we assume every celebrity couple embodies through their glamorous photos of romantic Caribbean getaways and riveting red carpet PDA. However, the image of every celebrity couple is different from how it’s portrayed in the media.

Through their interracial relationships displayed in the media, celebrity couples show us there’s more than meets the eye. Our fixation on Hollywood may be over-the-top, but whoever said we couldn’t take away a solid lesson from it? We learn to accept love in all shapes, sizes and colors, especially in the case of these couples:

1. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West: The E! reality star and the outspoken rapper, who were originally old friends, hooked up just months after Kim filed for divorce from Kris Humphries. Even before their relationship, Kim and Kanye were no strangers to interracial love with a dating list that includes Miles Austin, Reggie Bush and Amber Rose. From the looks of it, the list will end here.  Kimye are expecting their first child this year.

Related: When Opposites Don’t Attract

2. Khloe Kardashian-Odom and Lamar Odom: The marriage of Khloe and Lamar is one we all can’t help but love. The two lovebirds met back in August of 2009 and tied the knot just a few weeks after. Fans of the Keeping up with the Kardashians star and the NBA player had their doubts on whether the duo would make it. Three years later, the couple is still head-over-heels for each other. Now we’re all patiently waiting for a Baby Odom.

3. Paula Patton and Robin Thicke: These high school sweethearts have turned into one of the most beautiful and successful couples in Hollywood, but it’s been a long time coming. Patton hasn’t always been comfortable with her interracial relationship with the singer. In an interview with Essence magazine, the actress admitted, “I didn’t want all my high school friends to know that I’d fallen for a white boy.” Lucky for Paula, the secret is out now. The couple is living a fairytale with their only child, Julian.

Related: Celebrities Couples Who Have Made Love Last

4. Camila Alves and Matthew McConaughey: When Brazilian bombshell Camila Alves first met Matthew McConaughey in 2006, she had no idea they would be married six years later. Their 13-year age difference and ethnicity didn’t stop these two from building a life together, having three kids and being named one of the hottest Hollywood interracial couples.

Who are some of your favorite celeb interracial couples? Share your thoughts with us!