Teen Should Still Invite Less Popular Friend

DR. WALLACE: Six of us girls sort of hang around and do activities together. Sharon (not her real name) is the least popular and is sometimes ignored or left out of group functions. I'm planning a Thanksgiving party at my house (girls only), and I've sent invitations to 15 girls, including the five other girls in our group.

Two of these girls have expressed displeasure because Sharon has been invited. In fact, they said they won't show up if she's going to be there. I like these girls and I want them to attend the party, but I'd feel bad if I told Sharon she couldn't come.

What should I do? — Nameless, Wheaton, Ill.

NAMELESS: It's your party; you made out the guest list hoping all 15 invitees would come. If some choose not to attend, that's their concern or possibly their problem. Those who show up will have a wonderful time. Those who don't attend will miss out.

You did the right thing by inviting Sharon. Don't even consider revoking her invitation. That would be cowardly and cruel. Your two snobbish friends are applying peer pressure to get their way — don't have any part of it!

THE QUALITY OF MOST FILMS SEEMS TO BE IMPROVING

DR. WALLACE: I enjoy movies and see at least one film every weekend. Since I'm 18, I am not restricted and can see any movie I choose. I have been reading your column for quite some time. I remember you once said that most films were trashy, and people, especially teens, shouldn't waste their good money or time watching them. Do you still feel that way? — Pete, Willmar, Minn.

PETE: Some films are extremely well-made and worth seeing. The best are great art and worth the price of admission; they have much to teach us about the human condition and are highly entertaining as well.

Such films are the exception, but I do think filmmakers have improved their product in the last few years. They can, and sometimes do, develop a plot without a torrent of filthy language, grotesque violence and unabashed lust.

As a teacher, I'd give the film industry a grade of C-minus — up from a D-minus five years ago. When they get up to a B, I'll start going more frequently.

BOTH THE GIRL AND BOY NEED TO RESPONSIBLE WHEN DATING

DR. WALLACE: I'd like to respond to the letter from the 16-year-old girl who came home an hour late from a date. The girl's father was so mad that he almost hit the guy when he walked her to the door.

My parents have taught me that I am responsible for my life. If I come home late I'm the one to blame, not my date. I'm 17 and try to behave responsibly. If this girl breaks curfew on a regular basis, it's possible she isn't mature enough to be dating, regardless of her age. Unless the guy forced her to stay out, he is not the one to blame. — Cindy, Hammond, La.

CINDY: The boy, if he's driving, has a responsibility to his date and her parents to see that she is safely home at the designated time. When both the girl and her date are conscientious, problems like this rarely occur.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. E-mail him at rwallace@galesburg.net. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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