We met through online dating, both in our 50s, single for years and “rusty” at relationships.      
      We get along extremely well but don’t share too many interests; I’m more willing to learn and participate in his, but he adamantly refuses to join me in mine.   
      He’s generous, always paying when we go out, cooking for me, buying me things though neither of us have a big income. He even offers me money for things I can’t afford, but I always refuse.    
      Yet, physically and emotionally he’s out to lunch. Aside from sex, there’s no physical contact. I held his hand once, but he’s never reciprocated.     
      He wonders why I’m not sexually turned on. I’ve said I need more “foreplay” than two minutes’ cuddling before intercourse. He blames it on my hormones.     
      I really like this guy, but I feel more like a buddy than a girlfriend. He’s arranged an all-day outing for us this weekend without even consulting me, when I’ve said I have no interest in going fishing from 6 a.m.     
      I don’t know how to “train” him so that this can become an equal partnership. Because of this, I’ve not become too emotionally attached yet.
      - On The Fence

Brush off the “rust” to your relationship approach by trying a different one. Training is Out. Negotiating is In.    
      Start with a brief and caring explanation that if you’re to stay together, you both need to make some adjustments so you’ll both be happy and satisfied.     
      On activities, suggest a fair exchange, for example, you’ll go fishing, but you want him to commit, say, to a movie next time.     
      When he “cuddles” slow him down with a massage and request one in return. Continue to initiate handholding and the like to introduce more affection.    
      BUT, if he still refuses your requests for sharing activities and more intimacy, then face reality: It isn’t “rust” in your way, it’s the wrong fit.

A good friend from my high school asked if I feared death. I wasn't sure what to answer, so I just asked him “Why, do you?”     
      Then he blurted out, “I don't need to fear death. I’m immortal." I simply nodded and went to my next class.    
      It’s been three months since then and he still carries on about this. He even got two other friends to claim they’re immortal, too. Is there a way I can prove him wrong without having his life at risk?    
      He's a good friend and I don't want him to die from pure stupidity.
      - Concerned

Only a very thoughtful friend, who you clearly are, would be so sensitive as to worry over this statement since you mention no evidence that this guy has intentions to hurt himself to “prove” his claim.     
      I suspect he knows you’re that sensitive and is pushing your buttons as a silly kind of prank.    
      Since your friend’s safety is at issue, I suggest you simply nod again and change the subject when he raises it. Do nothing to refute his statement.     
      However, IF he starts pulling stunts to show he’s invincible, alert a school official (teacher, guidance counsellor, principal) or your parents about your fears for him.     
      OR, if he becomes aggressive about getting you to accept his claim or that of his friends, then the prank is a form of bullying to take seriously and which you also must report.       
      A bully is no longer a friend to protect.

FEEDBACK Here’s reader reaction to “Dejected,” whose immature boyfriend plays some so-called "pranks" on her (March 29):    
      Reader – “This guy is an immature loser and his pranks are less than funny. He humiliates and embarrasses her in public.     
      “If my boyfriend flirted with the waitress and then publicly announced for someone to drive me home so he could be with the waitress, my loud public answer would be, ‘Don't bother. I'll take a taxi and don't ever call me again.’    
      “I’m a guy, Ellie, and I say she should dump his immature behind on the curb with the rest of the trash and see who has the last laugh.  
      “She should be thankful it was only a relationship and not a marriage to this loser because this fellow has shown he’s not mature enough for her and I'll bet he's cheated on her already. She deserves much better.”