Re: Istikhara
i agree with HHL on the fact that people often think someone else has to do it. Infact, that's a misconception, Istikhara is a form of seeking guidance for any specific task that you're about to take on. So it's only best that you, yourself do it, that way you can decide for yourself. Although, pious people do it for others. It's not a must. It's more of a superstition that someone else has to do it.
Just like you wouldn't ask anyone else to ask Allah for Guidance for you, you shouldn't ask others to seek the favorable decision that involves your action(s). It's better if you do it yourself. Repeat it if you're not content or unsure, but at the end decision is always yours ofcourse, so are the consequences of the decision, whether your own or based on others 'views'.