By Lindsey P.

As challenging as the college-dating scene may seem, many people do meet and enter into a long-term relationship during their college years.  We all know the story of how Kate Middleton lucked out when she met her future husband, Prince William, in college.  Their relationship stayed strong throughout school and resulted in one of the most talked about weddings of the decade.

Of course, not everyone finds their Prince Charming on campus, but there are plenty of ways to leverage your chances of meeting the right guy while you’re busy shuffling off to class, eating a bowl of cereal in the cafeteria or watching the school’s basketball team take it to the finals.

…Don’t miss the rest! Click here for more.

Eva Longoria is speaking out against long engagements.  The Desperate Housewives actress says, “I never believe in long engagements.  People think engagement is another step. It’s not another step. You’re single and then you’re married.  The engagement is the planning part.”  She goes on to say that if she were the bride, she’d be like, “All right, let’s get going.”  Although Longoria’s three-year marriage to Tony Parker ended in January 2011 after rumors of an affair on his part, she has found happiness again with Eduardo Cruz.  When asked if she would consider marrying again, she said, “I’m not opposed to it, I just don’t really give it a lot of thought right now.”  Well, here’s to the happy couple!

What are the benefits of a short engagement?

…there’s more after the jump. Click here.

At the end of the seventh season of the reality TV show The Bachelorette, Ashley Hebert chose J.P. Rosenbaum and accepted his heartfelt marriage proposal. Now that the celebrity couple is preparing to walk down the aisle, Rosenbaum has one last family member to win over: Hebert’s pet yorkie, Boo. After they met for the first time earlier this month, the pint-sized puppy got better acquainted with Rosenbaum and the two seemed to be well on their way to a great relationship. “They’re good. They will be best friends,” the former Bachelorette told People. With plans to relocate Boo to the Big Apple as soon as possible, Hebert is excitedly basking in what seems to be the start of her celebrity love story.

Bachelorette winner Rosenbaum gets along fine with Hebert’s pet, Boo. What do you do if you don’t get along with your partner’s pet?

…Want the rest? Click here for more.

Jennifer Lopez and Bradley Cooper are being linked after having a dinner date on Saturday at Per Se in New york.  Could the now-single Lopez be over her ex Marc Anthony?   A source told People that the couple were “in discussions regarding a project.”  Even though Cooper would be a great rebound for Lopez, we think the multi-talented beauty should be able to go through her divorice without the rumors.

How do you combat destructive rumors about your relationship?

…want the rest? Click here for more.

By Melissa Tierney

There’s no denying we are a society addicted to technology.  While this fact may not necessarily be a bad thing when it comes to your day-to-day life, our technological habits may be making it impossible to form ‘real’ relationships with the targets of our affection.  It seems that the days of in-person or over-the-phone conversations are gone, and instead we are left with e-mail, texting, or social networking sites as the normal way of communicating, normally in 140 characters or less.  So although technology may make it easier to meet someone, does it really help nurture a relationship?

…interested in this story? Click here to read more.

Maria Shriver endured a difficult year, but she’s thankful for all the support she has been receiving from family and friends.  At a bicycle race on Saturday, People reports that Shriver told the crowd, “I appreciate your support, particularly this year, for sticking with me.”  She also spoke of a recent experience with a friend.  “When I was going through my own challenges this year; feeling down and confused, I got an email from him.  He wrote me a note saying, ‘You’re my best friend Maria and you will never be left out,’ ” she said.  “When the world is so complicated, the simple gift of friendship is within all of our hands.  Thank you to everyone who came up to me this weekend and wished me well.”

What are some ways to deal with the aftermath of a divorce announcement?

…we’re not done! Click here to read more.

Shameless actress, Amy Smart, recently married HGTV’s Carter Oosterhouse in Traverse City, Michigan.  According to UsMagazine.com, the bride looked stunning in a Carolina Herrera gown, as did her bridesmaids in navy Ann Taylor dresses.   “We feel so excited and blessed to celebrate this happy day with our family and friends,” said the wholesome Hollywood newlyweds.  Both Smart and Oosterhouse are known for being environmentally friendly.  In fact, the couple met in November 2010 at a green-charity event.

What are some important things to see eye-to-eye on before getting married?

…For more, click here.

By Maggie T.

First dates can be stressful enough without having to worry about what to wear and how to accessorize for the occasion.   By sticking with classic fashion that never goes out of style and wearing clothes that are comfortable, you can keep your anxiety level to a minimum.  Here are a few stylish yet comfortable clothing suggestions to fit three of the most common first date experiences:

Lunch Date

A lunch date is a bit more casual if it happens during the weekday, as you will both be dressed in business casual or work attire.   There’s not much you can do there.  However, if your lunch date takes place on the weekend, then you will have a few more options.  Whether it’s a picnic in the park, dining on an outdoor restaurant deck or at a local coffee house, lunch dates can be an invigorating way to start the day.

Continue reading →

Teen sensation Justin Bieber already has marriage on the mind, reports People.  When asked where he sees himself in five years, the 17-year-old pop singer told Women’s Wear Daily, “By 25 or 26, I want to see myself, like, married or start looking for a family.  I want to be a young dad. I want to be able to have done what I wanted to do — to be successful, to do a movie or whatever.”

Is age a factor when it comes to marriage?

…on the edge of your seat? click here to read more.

It looks like Brandi Glanville has moved on!  Eddie Cibrian’s ex was spotted on August 27^th at a beach party, getting hot and frisky with A-list actor Gerald Butler, according to Hollyscoop.  Glanville has a spot on Bravo’s ‘The Real Housewives of Beverly hills’ and has traded her TV actor ex for a movie star. It’s not too bad for a girl who got cheated on and dumped.

How do you make it clear to your ex that you’ve moved on?

…Want more information? Click here for more.

Speculators say the purity ring could be a thing of the past for Nick Jonas. The 18-year old star was seen with girlfriend Delta Goodrem sharing beach chairs and holding each other intimately in Los Cabos over Labor Day weekend, according to UsMagazine.com. In addition to the sexy vacation, Jonas tweeted a message causing some to suspect an impending engagement.  “I’m getting so excited about sharing my big news with all of you!” he said. “Who thinks they know what it is?” The two were first seen holding hands in May.

What are ways to bond with your partner on vacation?

…we know you’re intrigued. Click here to read more.

It seems this duo is still 100-percent committed. David Schwimmer and Zoe Buckman renewed their wedding vows recently outside London in a ceremony officiated by actor, Joey Slotnick. According to UsMagazine.com, Schwimmer’s Friends co-star, Matt LeBlanc, was among the 200 guests. The couple’s 4-month-old daughter, Cleo, also took part in the festivities. Other famous guests included Thandie Newton and Oliver Parker.

What are some reasons to renew your wedding vows?

…there’s more after the jump. Click here.

Kate Gosselin spoke out to People expressing concern about her family life after her show Kate Plus 8 was cancelled, and now her ex, Jon Gosselin, has some harsh pieces of advice for her.  Speaking to RumorFix.com, Jon said, “Reality TV is not a career.  Get back to a normal life — a simple life.”  The bitter exes played out the end of their marriage on TV in in 2009.  Since then, they have quarreled about their kids and the reality TV life they lead.  “Things will work out the way they should work out,” said Jon.  “Obviously, there are families out there that have several kids — people work normal jobs, and things work out.”

How do you make life normal for kids after a divorce?

…we’re just getting started. Click here for more.

On-again off-again couple Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake seem to be back together, reports People.  The duo were spotted on an outing in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.  They attended Biel’s friend’s wedding, and ended up spending the entire weekend together.  Says an onlooker, “There was plenty of P.D.A., and they seemed happy.”

How do you know when you should give a relationship another shot?

…there’s more after the jump. Click here.

This royal couple loves to give back. Upon receiving a Mountain Rescue Team Land Rover as a wedding gift, Prince William and Kate Middleton passed it on as charity to the Mountain Rescue England and Wales. After a raffle, it was awarded to the Patterdale team, according to UsMagazine.com. “The vehicle will be greatly appreciated. Our present vehicle only has a shelf life of about six months and we were embarking on a major fundraising exercise to raise more than £45,000 to replace it,” said Keith Montgomery, honorary secretary of Glossop Mountain Rescue Team.

What do you do if you don’t like a gift you get at your wedding?

…we’re not finished! Click here to read more.

By Jennifer Harrington

As Labor Day weekend wrapped up, we were all treated to a suspense-filled episode of Bachelor Pad 2!  During the episode, viewers witnessed a strategic challenge, romantic fireworks between Michelle and Graham, Erica’s over-the-top overtures towards Blake, and a final showdown between Blake/Erica and Kirk/Ella.  To make sense of this crazy installment of summer’s guiltiest pleasure, we spoke to David Good and Natalie Getz, winners of Bachelor Pad 1.

Michelle and Graham’s relationship took a big step forward this week — were you surprised they won the competition, given they have not been together for that long?  What did you think about their strategy during the game?

He Said: I think it has been growing; we have just not seen much of them because of the Jake/Vienna/Kasey BS.  Best strategy in a game I have seen yet on the Pad!
Continue reading →

By Dr. Samuel Barondes, author of Making Sense of People

When we meet someone new, we immediately form a tentative picture of his or her personality.  We generate this first impression in a matter of seconds, because we need it to guide our initial give and take.

Our amazing ability to rapidly size people up works so well that we continue to rely on it as we get to know the person better.  In doing so, we keep building a more elaborate intuitive impression—an impression that we rarely bother to consciously examine.  Although we may spend hours methodically assessing a new smartphone before deciding what we think of it, our assessment of someone’s personality keeps being made by the seat of our pants.

There are times, though, when we want to consciously think over what we’ve observed.  We may, for example, want to figure out if a person we are dating has the right stuff for a permanent relationship by discussing it with our friends.  But these conversations are often uninformative because few of us have been taught a systematic way to assess personalities.  This limits our ability to come up with a thoughtful appraisal of the person we have in mind, even with the assistance of those who are eager to help us.

Continue reading →

Two stars of Bachelor Pad 2, Michelle Money and Graham Bunn, have managed to keep their relationship going long after the cameras stopped rolling, according to People.  Money, who returned to Utah after the show, and Bunn, who now resides in New York, make sure they keep in contact almost every day.  How do they do it?  Well, it’s not visiting each other every weekend or doing “hanky panky” over the phone.  The two keep their relationship going strong with communication.

What are some keys to making a long distance relationship work?

Continue reading →

It’s official!  Russian musician Oksana Grigorieva accepted last week’s truce deal — worth $3 million — with Mel Gibson, RadarOnline.com reports.  A forensic accountant analyzed this deal with the $15 million settlement from 2010.  “The previous offer was structured in a way that made its value less than $1 million,” her lawyer Daniel Horowitz said.  “Moreover, it required Oksana to surrender to Gibson all evidence in the criminal case against her, which could have made her subject to criminal charges ranging from bribery to destruction of evidence.”  Grigorieva’s lawyers value the present settlement, which includes 16 years living rent free in a $1.8 million home, $750,000 in periodic payments, payments to attorney fees and rights to her album and videos, “at over $3 million.”

How do you know when to drop an argument in a relationship?

Continue reading →

After a year of planning, Lauren Bush, the niece of former president George W. Bush,  and David Lauren, the son of fashion designer Ralph Lauren, finally tied the knot.  The couple were wed at the massive Double RL Ranch in Colorado, reports People.  The ranch, named for Ralph Lauren and his wife Ricky Lauren, covers 17,000-acres of land in the Rocky Mountains.  Though the ceremony was on Sunday, the entire weekend was devoted to family activities such as picnics, softball and rodeos.  Lauren Bush faced a tough decision when it came to choosing her married name, but finally settled on Lauren Bush-Lauren, choosing to both take her husband’s name and avoid confusion.

How do you decide whether to take your partner’s last name?

…feel your pulse racing? Click here to read more.

Lovebirds Pink and Carey Hart sure know how to keep the firing burning in their relationship.  The couple was spotted on a dinner date at hotspot Nobu in Malibu with who else, but their daughter Willow Sage, according to People.  According to onlookers, the couple seemed very attentive to the three-month-old baby and seemed to be having a great time.  The Harts weren’t the only celebrities at the popular eatery.  As they were leaving, Balthazar Getty and his kids were spotted there as well.

What are some ways to keep the romance alive when you have a baby?

…we’re just getting started. Click here for more.

Mark Ronson, the late Amy Winehouse’s producer and friend, honored the singer at his wedding in Aix de Provence, France.  Ronson married French model Josephine De La Baume. The producer, 35 and Baume, 26 tied the knot after planning their two-day wedding affair in just six months. Shortly after Amy Winehouse, 27 was found dead in her London home on July 23^rd, Ronson took to Twitter to express his grief, “This is one of the saddest days of my life.” A source told UsMagazine.com, “Amy was a great friend of both Mark and Josephine and they would have been thrilled to have her with them at their big day, but sadly it wasn’t to be.” The bride and groom found a way to turn their feelings of grief into feelings of gratitude toward Winehouse on the happiest day of their lives with a memorable toast.

What are some ways to remember deceased loved ones at your wedding?

…don’t miss the rest. Click here for more.

Marc Anthony finally took a chance to tell his side of the divorce story between he and Jennifer Lopez.  The singer opened up about the split in an interview with ABC News, according to People. “I’ll tell you that it wasn’t something sensationalistic happening,” said Anthony.  And when he was confronted with questions about rumors of infidelity, he shot them down immediately, saying “absolutely not.”  He explained, “It was a realization on both our parts.  So you know it wasn’t shocking.  These things happen.  It was a decision that we made jointly.”

What are some tell-tale signs that a marriage is nearing the end?

…do you feel your heart beating fast? Click here to read more.

Bachelor Pad 2 drama queen Melissa Schreiber insists she’s not nearly as emotional off-camera as she was on the show, according to People.  The reality star, who ended up getting played by Blake on season 2 of the show after falling for him very quickly, says she no longer has feelings for him.  “My friends and family have been so supportive.  They know that I’m not that emotional outside of the Bachelor world,” said Schreiber.  “It’s so funny.  Every episode, I get like 50 text messages saying, ‘Who are you?  We don’t recognize you on TV.’  For some reason, when in the Bachelor house, I’m overly emotional.”

How do you avoid falling for someone too quickly?

…don’t miss the rest. Click here for more.