I’m a man, 49, who has never married and is still hoping to find a woman to share my life. However, I can’t seem to find one who’ll try even one date with me.      
      I have a lot to offer even though at 5’6” with a balding (now-shaved) head and hints of gray in my neatly trimmed beard, I’m no dream man. Still, I’m the head of my department at a high school, have a good sense of humour, go to the gym regularly and compete in 10k races. I’m close to my sister and her son, 15.      
      I suspect it might be best to give up looking and do my best to move on. Any suggestions?
      - Still Hoping

You have a lot going for you; find new ways and places to show yourself as friendly, confident and open-minded. Let close friends, family and colleagues all know that you’re available for set-ups.      
      Even if a potential date’s description doesn’t sound “right” for you, go anyway – it’s a chance to practice your dating skills, which are a lot about listening, showing interest, finding some things in common.    
      Focus on making new connections, not just potential dates; a woman who finds you just a nice guy may have a cousin or co-worker she thinks would be a match. If you meet someone and you both know there’s no chemistry, suggest that as pals you can help each other meet more singles.    
      Meantime, join group activities – salsa dancing, square dancing, an art workshop, book club, walking tours, etc. Again, make friendly connections with people, rather than appear to be obviously searching for a mate.

My husband and I visited my sister's family last year as we’ve done before. This last time my brother-in-law was particularly condescending to my husband until it became very uncomfortable.     
      I hoped my sister would kick him or signal to back off but she didn’t. I haven’t raised this with her, so I don't even know if she perceived his rudeness. We don’t wish to return, though we’ve been invited.    
      Our home is much smaller and wouldn’t accommodate them well, so that’s not an option. I love my sister and niece but cannot tolerate my husband being treated so badly.
      - Family Insult

Give it one more shot, this time making your feelings known ahead, to your sister. Raise the topic cautiously and with open caring about her; she may be dealing with her rude Hubby’s moods (and possibly rages, too) far more than you know.     
      Also, your own husband should think ahead how he wants to handle the situation. He could try deflecting the comments with humour, showing there’s no effect on him.
      If alcohol’s involved in these visits, you both could try minimizing the amount of time sitting around drinking- suggest outings and activities instead. Mention this to your sister, too.    
      But if all else fails, have another heart-to-heart talk with Sis, visit her on your own and have her and your niece either visit or meet you somewhere, without this agitator.

Our neighbour told my wife that a minimum gift for her son’s wedding should be $250. We couldn’t afford it. We gave $150 instead and now the mother’s given us a cold shoulder since.
      - Neighbour Chill

The woman was out of line with her gift greed; you needn’t be embarrassed or apologetic. If restoring relations is crucial, consider inviting the new couple and his parents in for a family-style dinner. If the mother refuses, she’s not worth further concern from you.

I often have to do a "friend inventory," assessing why some people are in my life. I’m very likeable and social. But the #1 thing that bothers me is people standing me up. I stop talking to them if it happens twice or more.      
      I’ve been called the "ice queen" because I let go of people easily. Should I be more forgiving? Are my expectations too high? One should surround themselves by positive people, but in my case that may mean loneliness.
      - Fed Up

Assess yourself, first: You apparently choose negative friends from the start. Such people may lack the will or enthusiasm to be as “social” as you, so they don’t show up.     
      You may also be too demanding, making arrangements without being sure of the other person’s time or interest. I suspect insecurity also drives you - when someone has confidence in themselves, they can tolerate some flaws in their friends.