I’m dating two girls; I like them both but I have a better connection with Girl #1. However, even though we're both interested, she wants to take things slow and be friends for a while before she’ll consider any kind of relationship.
      She's never had a boyfriend and may be anxious and cautious about it. (I’ve never been in a relationship either, but I’m more willing to try things out now).     
      I’d stop seeing Girl #2 and wait for Girl #1 to be as ready as I am (she’s worth waiting for), but I fear we’ll never leave the "friend zone." Then I’ll have lost both girls.    
      Should I focus on Girl #1 and end things with Girl #2? Or, if I do keep seeing both girls, how far should I take things with Girl #2? There hasn't been much physicality with either yet. I don't enjoy drama and I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings.
      - Difficult Choice

You’ll soon be awash in drama – and alone – if you keep seeing both, especially if you get physical. You’re too eager for a relationship with no experience to guide you, so here’s the answer:     
      Trust your inner feelings instead of a calculated plan. Tell Girl #1 that you believe you care for her as more than a friend, but you respect her decision that you should get to know each other better before making a relationship commitment.      
      By the way, that’s what a relationship is: a promise to focus interest, caring, trust and planning on one companion. It’s not just “trying out” having a girlfriend.

I’ll be attending a large gathering of new and old friends, including some I haven't seen in years. I’m sociable and happy to meet people, but due to some recent family stresses I’ve become more self-aware and have bouts of social anxiety.       
      Usually I have an excuse to pardon myself from large gatherings however my dear friend is hosting a party for her parents whom I adore. I'm now nervous meeting people; I end up getting emotional and later can’t sleep, thinking I put my foot in my mouth. I need to build my confidence fast.
      - Anxious

A deadline to achieve instant self-confidence is just another anxiety builder. Step back and examine your situation. You have good insight to what’s unnerved you, and know it’s temporary.     
      You’ve been social in the past and likely have some close friends and colleagues with whom you’re at ease. Arrange impromptu coffee and dinner get-togethers with them and practice your conversation skills.     
      When you meet new people at this party, ask a leading question about them, e.g. “How do you know the honoured guests?” Most people love to rattle on with their “story” and you need only prod them, rather than make commentary.

FEEDBACK Sometimes, you readers offer a great service to those who write, either by backing up my advice or adding perspective from your own experiences. Here’s one example where you can pat yourselves on the back.     
      Reader – “I wrote to you about dating a man who had blurred boundaries with his daughter. Your advice, and the comments of your readers, gave me courage and empowered me to have The Talk as you suggested, and voice my concerns.
“He’s not only listened to some much-needed guidelines, but is no longer overstepping boundaries when with her.
“Thank you, not only for him, but for his daughter. Your advice will have long-reaching effects in both of their lives.”

My sister-in-law and I were close, but since my baby’s birth she’s hard to bear. She’s popular, thin, pretty and adventurous. But it’s gone to her head.     
      Though generous and sweet, she can be arrogant, demanding, critical and impolite. She makes subtle comments about my body and popularity.     
      With myself suffering low self-esteem, she causes me to feel judged and inferior. I feel sad, as I believe we have the potential to be a strong family with mutual caring.
      - Disappointed

It’s possible that you’re interpreting her “subtle” comments as critical when she may actually be encouraging you to get out and look after yourself more post-baby.    
      She, too, may be missing your former closeness. You won’t know if you go on building resentment instead of speaking up.     
      Tell her, without blaming, that you feel uncomfortable with those comments and explain your somewhat insecure feelings since the baby’s birth.