Boys Will Wait for You

DR. WALLACE: I'm 14 years old and am told by all the boys at my school that I'm cute. Many older boys have asked me out, but my mother says I'm too young to date. My cousin is 14, She's going steady, and my aunt thinks it's wonderful.

I'm embarrassed when I'm asked out and I can't say yes, so I lie and say that I'm grounded for a few months. I'm a mature young lady, both mentally and physically. Don't you think I should be allowed to date occasionally? — Laura, St. Louis.

LAURA: I realize that the time has arrived when boys are a prime interest, but there is no reason to rush things. Dating is an important part of teen life and I'm sure you will have your share of dates, but not now. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy having good friends who are boys. Be patient. Most teens begin dating between the ages of 15 and 16. I know it will be difficult for the boys, but rest assured, they'll wait for you!

 

WILL MY FRIEND EVER FORGIVE ME?

DR. WALLACE: Last week, I broke a promise and caused a good friend to break up with her boyfriend. She told me a secret and I promised her I wouldn't tell a living soul, but I did. I'm sorry about the hurt I've caused my friend, and I have told her so. I hope she understands that I'm human and that humans make mistakes. What can I do now to make my friend forgive me? — Nameless, Galesburg, Ill.

NAMELESS: You have apologized, which was the right thing to do. You can do no more. If your friend feels your apology was sincere, she'll forgive you. But that's her choice, and it will happen in her own time. I know it's hard not to be able to do more — but you can't undo what's been done. You'll have to be patient and recognize that wounds take time to heal.

What you can do immediately is vow to turn this into a learning experience. Recognize that you'll be making mistakes all of your life, but know that a wise person doesn't make the same mistake twice. From now on, keep your promises!

 

I ENJOY BEING FAT

DR. WALLACE: You are constantly telling overweight teens to lose weight by eating properly and exercising regularly. I'm 19 and overweight and I love every ounce of fat on my body. It was put there by tons of hot fudge sundaes smothered in rich whipped cream, covered with chopped walnuts and topped with a luscious cherry.

Why don't you tell overweight teens to enjoy eating luscious foods, including German chocolate cake on a plate next to a heaping mound of heavenly ice cream? At one time, being fat was a sign of wealth and beauty, and I hope that someday it will return to that.

Be honest, how tall are you and have much do you weigh? Do you consider yourself one of us lucky fatties? — Fattie Hattie, Honolulu.

FATTIE HATTIE: I encourage teens to eat nutritious, healthy foods and get proper exercise solely for health reasons. There's a direct link between excess weight and the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Being overweight also increases the probability of developing high blood pressure. These conditions lower the quality of one's life and are likely to shorten it.

For your information, I'm exactly 6 feet tall and weigh 180 pounds, though I confess that figure fluctuates. I'm not immune to temptation! I must admit, your description of a hot fudge sundae and German chocolate cake next to a heaping mound of ice cream made my mouth water. When my weight balloons to 185, I put the brakes on temptation by counting calories and getting back to 180 pounds.

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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