[jQuery] using validate plugin in conjunction with form plugin (ajax submit)

[Eben Goodman]

I'm trying to submit a form via ajax using the form plugin, and also perform
some validation, using the validate plugin.  The problem I'm having is that
when I submit the form, it performs the validation, but also submits it and
returns the ajax response, regardless of the validation result...  I need to
figure out the proper coding so the submit only fires ifif it passes
validation... Here's the code I have at this point, any suggestions is
appreciated:

       $().ready(function() {
       $("#my_form").validate({
          rules: {                                          field_1:
"required",
        },
        messages: {
                           field_1: "<span
style='color:red;font-weight:bold'> required</span>",

        }
       });
    });
         $(document).ready(function() {
               var options = {
                       target: '#response',
                       success: response
               };
                     $('#my_form').ajaxForm(options);
     });
         function response(){
           alert("The form has been submitted.");
       }