DR. WALLACE: I'm 14 and I'm given a $5 a week allowance. For that, I've got to do all of my chores. Ever since this allowance has been in force, I have always done all of my chores on time. I also must say that my chores are done very well.

I now want to buy a special dress for a semi-formal, girl-ask-boy dance at our school. I have already invited the boy, and he said yes. The dress I want costs $75, and I have $50 saved.

I want my parents to pay my allowance five weeks in advance so I can buy this dress. My dad doesn't like that idea, because he considers me to be an employee, and he thinks it is poor business to pay an employee for work that is not completed.

I'd like your opinion, please. My parents always read your column, and if you agree with me they might change their minds. Please hurry with your answer because I really want this dress. — Worried, Bettendorf, Iowa.

WORRIED: You are not an employee; you are your parents' daughter! Since your "chore" record is excellent, your parents must trust you to do all of your chores for the next five weeks. I'm positive Mom and Dad will agree.

I HAVE WINE WITH DINNER

DR. WALLACE: My ex-boyfriend admitted that he had an addiction to cocaine. That's the reason he is now my ex. Near the end of our relationship, he kept telling me he was going to quit using cocaine, but he couldn't. So that's why I told him goodbye and encouraged him to seek help in overcoming his addiction. He said he would, but we have been apart over four months and he still is a user. We still talk on the phone occasionally, but I will never revive our relationship.

I recently turned 21, and on occasion I have a small glass of wine with dinner when I am in a nice restaurant with my new boyfriend. Last week I told this to my ex and he said that I'm on my way to becoming addicted to alcohol. I know that this isn't going to happen, but it made me wonder how many people in the U.S. are addicted to alcohol compared to the number of cocaine addicts. Can you tell me? — Marsha, Denver, Colo.

MARSHA: According to a report by the United States Jaycees, about 4 million Americans are addicted to cocaine, and 12 million Americans are considered to be alcoholics. These are both shocking statistics. That means 16 million Americans cannot control their lives and live in constant confusion and turmoil. I'm sure your "wine at dinner" won't escalate to an alcohol addiction, but always remember that every alcoholic started out having a first alcoholic drink.

MY MOM WON'T ANSWER QUESTIONS ON SEX

DR. WALLACE: I'm 14 and live alone with my mother who has never been married. I have a lot of questions I'd like answered regarding sex, but when I start to ask my mother, she always says, "Not now, I'm busy."

I've tried many times to get answers from her, but the answer is always the same. Since I can't get answers from my mother, whom should I turn to? — Pam, Memphis, Tenn.

PAM: Your mother is the best source of information regarding sex. Discuss your concern with a school counselor or physical education teacher, and have this person set up a conference with you and your mother. Your mother might feel more comfortable discussing sex with you in front of a school professional.

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.