Dear Annie: I’m an attractive, smart, 26-year-old female with a great job and a rich social life, friends-wise. The problem? Lately, it seems I’m destined to be alone. It’s not that I don’t meet guys. It’s that I keep attracting the wrong types. And if I actually like a guy, there’s always some catch. It’s really starting to get me down. Case in point: I’ve had a crush on “Mark”, a co-worker, for a few months. Imagine my delight when I discovered he was attracted to me, too. After two weeks of heavy flirting, we exchanged phone numbers. A week later, he called and invited me out for dinner. We had a wonderful conversation and a good time — until he said he is in a relationship that’s “on the rocks”. Red flags popped up everywhere.Now I’m in the dumps because I feel stupid for setting myself up for that one. Why would a guy ask me out on a date just to lower the boom? Why not tell me from the starting gate so I wouldn’t get my hopes up? The worst part? I still want to get to know him better. I think Mark is a genuinely nice guy, and I believe he’s telling the truth and not setting me up to be “the other chick” (which I refuse to be). I guess I just want to know what would motivate a person to do this. — Confused and Frustrated in CaliforniaDear Confused: Many women learn the hard way if someone is otherwise involved, and this is not your fault. If you believe Mark is honest, his motivation is simple. He likes you, his current relationship is ending, and he’s looking for someone new. If you don’t mind dating a co-worker (often problematic), you can stick around and see where this goes — but give yourself rules and a deadline. Tell him you won’t date him until his current relationship is completely over, and decide how long you’re willing to wait. In the meantime, make sure your friends know you are looking. It’s often the best way to meet decent guys who are reliably available.

Dear Annie$>Our daughter is getting married next year. What is the etiquette for inviting people? Are we obligated to invite people we know will not come, even though they are immediate family? Both sides of the family are fairly big, and I know 70 percent of my husband’s side isn’t going to attend. Do we still send them invitations? I don’t want to look like we are trolling for gifts. — Mother of the Bride

Dear Ann <$>I just started a new job. I love the job, but hate the people I work with. I know I’m the new girl and must give it time, but they are just so rude. I always say “hi” with a smile. I never receive a smile back and barely a hello. When I walk into a room, they all ignore me. I’ve tried striking up a conversation, always with open-ended questions. They’ll answer me, but then the conversation is over.This bothers me so much I’ve come home in tears. All I ask is to be acknowledged. Am I just too nice? Should I just get over it? — Confused and Baffled in Mican<$>Dear Confused: Your co-workers may simply be accustomed to silence at work. Pick one person who seems reasonably nice and ask them to join you for coffee or lunch. If they refuse, ask directly if you are doing anything inappropriate. The rest just takes time.