DR. WALLACE: I have an 18-year-old cousin who concerns me. I realize this is none of my business, but I feel something must be done. He is a senior in high school and his girlfriend is a junior and they have been dating for over a year. No one can understand why my cousin is dating this girl. She is controlling, cries when she doesn't get her way, and is extremely immature. No one I know likes her and she has a shady reputation.

My aunt and uncle have done their best to persuade my cousin to stop dating this girl, but nothing seems to work. He just keeps telling them that he "loves her" and does not intend to break up with her.

My own family and I agree that this girl is trouble for him, but we don't know how to help. Do you have any suggestions? —Nameless, Moline, Ill.

NAMELESS: Since his parents have had no luck in their efforts to break up this relationship, I doubt that you will be able to do anything about it either.

Forget about your cousin's situation and go about living your own life.

SAY GOODBYE AND NO MORE

DR. WALLACE: Roberto and I have been dating for over six months. During the holidays he went to Guadalajara with his family to visit his grandparents. He was gone for a week. During that time I met a guy at a party and went out with him the next night. Of course, I didn't say anything to Roberto about going out with this guy, but now I am thinking about the new guy more than I've been thinking about Roberto.

Do you think I should level with Roberto about going out with this guy (which I know would hurt his feelings) or should I just tell him that I want my freedom? I know that this new guy and I will be dating because we both seem to have a lot in common. — Rosa, Houston, Tex.

ROSA: Tell Roberto that you want to end the steady relationship with him and let it go at that. Hurting his feelings by talking about your new crush on another guy would serve no useful purpose.

MAKE GRANDMA FEEL WELCOME

DR. WALLACE: I'm 16 and I have a 14-year-old sister. We each have our own bedroom. About a month ago our grandfather died and my parents decided that our grandmother should live with us until they can sell her house and find an apartment for her near our house. They think all of this will take about three months. Since we don't have an extra bedroom, it was decided (against my wishes) that Grandma will use my sister's bedroom and my sister will move into my room with me.

I am very unhappy about this arrangement. I have nothing against my sister, but we are both teenagers and as you have said many times, teens need some privacy.

I'm upset because my sister would rather stay in her bedroom, sharing it with Grandma, than move all her junk into my bedroom, but my parents think it would be better for Grandma to have her own room.

My parents are aware of your column and there is a chance they will accept your opinion if you agree with me. —Nameless, Michigan City, Ind.

NAMELESS: It's true that teens do need time to be alone. Having your own bedroom is ideal, if it is manageable. But since Grandma is going to live with your family for about 90 days and your parents want her to have a bedroom by herself, you should do all you can to cooperate and to make Grandma feel welcome.

The good that will come from this temporary arrangement is that you will probably enjoy your private moments a lot more when your sister returns to her own room.

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. Email him at rwallace@thegreatestgift.com. 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.