DR. WALLACE: I respect your opinions, even though I don't always agree with them. I have been reading your column for some time and have noticed that, when a young girl writes for advice because she's pregnant and doesn't know what to do, you never direct her to a clinic where she can get an abortion.

Don't you believe that, in some cases, getting an abortion is the best way to handle the problem? — Gloria, Hammond, La.

GLORIA: I'm a firm believer that girls who become pregnant and don't know what to do should go to their parents for guidance. In cases where the parents do not accept the responsibility of giving assistance, the young lady should seek help and counsel from relatives, school personnel or members of the clergy.

I would never simply tell someone to get an abortion; that's never my call. A pregnant, unwed teen is often afraid, alone and very confused. She should always make the final decision only after intelligent conversations with people who love her and care deeply that she makes the right choice.

TEEN COUPLE IS IN LOVE BUT MATURE ABOUT FUTURE PLANS

DR. WALLACE: My boyfriend and I are both 17. We have been together for over a year. I love this boy more than I can describe — he is my life. He feels exactly the same way about me, and we are 100 percent sure that we will be husband and wife in the near future.

My parents have great plans for me, but my relationship with Jason bothers them. They plan for me to be an attorney. I will go to college — and graduate — but I'm not sure what my major will be yet. Jason and I will get married, once we both have our college diplomas.

My parents keep telling me that Jason and I are too young to be in love. They say we're just "attracted" to each other, and when I do get married, Jason probably won't be the groom.

Please inform my parents that love has nothing to do with age. — Nameless, Brunswick, Ga.

NAMELESS: Your parents want the best of you, but whom you marry and what career path you choose are your decisions. It appears to me that you and Jason are not only very much in love, but mature and intelligent in the way you are planning for a future together. Mom and Dad should be very proud of their daughter.

GIVE THE GUY A CHANCE AND GO ON THE DATE

DR. WALLACE: I'm 16 and a pretty popular girl, but I don't date a lot. Last week, a guy who attends my church invited me to go to his cousin's wedding reception. The boy is nice, but I don't have any strong feelings for him.

My friends tell me I should be polite and say no. My mom says I should be polite and say yes. I'll let you break the tie. Please hurry! — Alexi, Erie, Pa.

ALEXI: I say go with him. Sometimes the feelings arrive after you get to know the person a little better. And if the feelings never come — so what? You can still have fun and enjoy time with a guy who could become a good friend.

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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