DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a college senior, and I am concerned about my upcoming journey into the real world. I am preparing myself to apply for jobs, but I am very shy. I have tried to be assertive and I have attended job fairs on campus, but when I go, I just briefly greet the recruiter, put my resume on the table and run away. What are some networking tips shy people should keep in mind when approaching recruiters? -- Shy Senior, Rochester, N.Y.

DEAR SHY SENIOR: Keep your focus on your goal -- to find a job. Be clear about what type of job you want. Make sure your resume expresses your interest in that particular job and your experience in that area. Do your research to find out which recruiters represent jobs in your area of interest. Seek those particular people out as you move through the job fair. If you can, create a checklist of who you would like to meet in advance and get a map of the job fair. It will be easier for you to go to each targeted recruiter rather than feeling like you have to search through an endless sea of people.

When you approach a recruiter, make eye contact and offer a firm handshake. State your name and say that you have looked him or her up and believe that you might be a good fit for the company. Having done research in advance shows that you are a strategic thinker and a planner. The recruiter will probably appreciate that and invite you to talk. When you talk, stick to the facts at first. Say why you want to pursue your area of interest. Answer any questions you are asked. As you loosen up, share things about yourself that reveal your uniqueness. Follow up with a thank-you note expressing gratitude for the opportunity to meet the recruiter. State that you hope to be considered for the position you discussed.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My assistant, a recent college grad, wears some inappropriate things to work sometimes. She has come into my conservative law office wearing purple sparkling nail polish, shorts and high-heeled pumps and, on occasion, jeans. Everyone else except the people in the mailroom wear suits -- women and men both. For her job interview she wore a conservative business suit, so I didn't have a reason to believe that she would turn into what looks more like party girl. I like this young woman and want her to succeed. How can I tell her that she's making the wrong choices? -- Improperly Clad, Chicago

DEAR IMPROPERLY CLAD: Consider it your duty as her boss and seemingly her mentor to educate her about how to succeed in your industry and your company. She needs to learn that the corporate culture dictates that she be conservative and modest in her attire, including her nail color. Point out specifics on how she has veered off course. Show her people in your office who are dressed for success. Suggest that she plan her attire within the boundaries of what she sees. Somewhere in there she can cultivate her own style.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm a single 28-year-old woman born in Nigeria, but currently living in Brooklyn, N.Y. I am interested in embarking on a new relationship, but I have not had the best luck in the dating scene. Recently, a friend of mine tried to hook me up with a friend of hers who is also Nigerian, but he lives in China. She expressed great things about him and gave me his phone number. We have communicated via text only a few times, and I already find him to be awkward. I haven't seen a very clear picture of him, so I don't really know if he is my type. He has asked to chat via Skype, but I do not think I am comfortable enough to do so. Should I give it a try and Skype with him at least once? Or should I let this one go? -- Single but Not Settling, Brooklyn, N.Y.

DEAR SINGLE BUT NOT SETTLING: Start by making a physical list of the attributes you would like your partner to have. What qualities are attractive to you? Also, what qualities or behaviors would be turn-offs? When you have a clear list, which should include things about behavior and values more than about appearance, look again at the single men you meet to see if anyone seems interesting.

As far as the man your friend has introduced to you, it's natural for communication to be awkward when you have barely communicated with each other. He may find you awkward as well. Talking via Skype can serve as a bridge in that you will be able to see and hear each other. Go for it.

I will add that trying to date someone who lives in China is a curious option for someone who wants a relationship. It would probably be easier to have a chance at a real relationship if you try to meet someone could meet physically. If your goal is to meet a fellow countryman, you can do that, too -- even in Brooklyn. Open your eyes and look around!

DEAR HARRIETTE: I just learned that my best friend is gay. We have been friends for something like 10 years. I am so angry that she didn't feel like she could tell me. I have never been judgmental about the way that other people live. She mentioned it the other day because she said she wanted to introduce me to her girlfriend. I didn't realize that she meant "girlfriend" like that, but when she introduced her, they were holding hands. It was such an awkward moment. Why didn't she tell me before? And what should I say to her? I feel like she betrayed me by not confiding in me. -- Left Out, Los Angeles

DEAR LEFT OUT: Who knows what was in your friend's head? Only she does. You need to ask her. Make a time when you can get together, and be upfront. Tell her that your feelings are hurt that she has never told you that she is gay and that it was uncomfortable learning the way you did. Tell her you love her and trust her and feel that she left you out of a very important fact of her life. Encourage her to tell you why. If you can talk through this, your friendship may be able to strengthen.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a neighbor who has become very friendly with me. Sometimes she is too friendly and kind of intrusive. She can be extremely loud and possessive of me. If I see her out somewhere, she immediately acts like we should be together, even if I am out with other people. On more than one occasion she has joined my party at a restaurant without a moment's thought that she wasn't invited. I'm planning a small dinner party in the neighborhood for a select group of people, and I don't want to invite her. I'm worried, though, that she might stop by the restaurant and either attempt to join us or get loud because she wasn't invited. How can I handle this gracefully? -- Wanting to Disconnect, Washington, D.C.

DEAR WANTING TO DISCONNECT: You may want to consider hosting your party outside your immediate neighborhood, especially if you believe that this neighbor would not hesitate to crash your party. If you go beyond your normal sphere of connection, you will reduce the likelihood that she will show up.

You can also prepare yourself to speak to her privately if she shows up and tries to join in. Ask her to step away with you for a moment and tell her that this is a private gathering, and you are terribly sorry, but she is not invited to join you. She doesn't have to know that it is your function, just that you are not inviting her to be your guest. It is OK to be firm and clear. If she refuses to leave, ask the restaurant manager to help you. Yes, this may damage your relationship, but if she is that out-of-control, you may need this intervention anyway.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I just learned that I have to have oral surgery because I have periodontal disease. I was wondering why I was having so much trouble with my mouth, and then my tooth fell out. It is so embarrassing. What's worse is that my insurance will not cover implants, which the doctor recommended. I have no extra money to make it happen. I am feeling so depressed right now. I have been out of work for several years. I did get insurance through the Affordable Care Act, and it is pretty good, but it doesn't cover this "elective" surgery. I'm told I can get dentures, but I'm only 40. I don't want dentures. What can I do without the money? I feel so ashamed. -- Toothless, Shreveport, La.

DEAR TOOTHLESS: Now is the time to be practical. If your insurance will cover you getting your mouth healthy and will provide you with dentures, take that. Nobody will know whether your new teeth are implants or removable. What you will have is a mouthful of teeth. When you are in a better financial situation, you can replace the dentures with implants.

Don't feel ashamed, either. You are taking steps to improve your health. Feel proud about that.