DR. WALLACE: I'm 19 and seeing a girl who happens to be a very mature (both physically and mentally) 14. I met her at her cousin's wedding a few months ago. At the time we met I thought the girl was 16 or 17. I didn't find out she was 14 until I found out that she was in the ninth grade. By that time I had fallen for her in a very big way. My parents have met her and know her true age. They think we are a very compatible couple and have told us that we are fortunate to have found each other. This girl has told me that she loves me and that she will never love another guy as much as she loves me. I also have similar feelings for her.

Our problem is that her mother thinks that I'm much too old for her and will no longer let her go out with me. This is very difficult for us to abide by. Love is a strong emotion and can't be controlled. I feel that her mother is being unreasonable. I'm an honorable guy. I don't do drugs, drink, or smoke and I am not going to take away her daughter's virginity.

Since my parents are all for this girl and I continuing our relationship, wouldn't it be prudent if her mom at least compromised and allowed us to date twice a month? I know you receive many letters from teens, but I really hope you answer mine because I want her mother to read your response because I know you are a fair-minded gentleman. — Bob, Rye, N.Y.

BOB: I'd really like to give you a response that you could show this girl's mother to help change her mind, but being a fair-minded gentleman, I must remind you that the only person who counts in this drama is her mother. It's nice that your parents like this girl and want you both to continue the relationship, but what they think doesn't count.

I also happen to agree with this girl's mother. You are too old for her, so honor her request and "hit the road." Somewhere along your journey you will discover a young lady who will think you are her "knight in shining armor" and she will be no younger than 17.

I GOT A BIT TIPSY

DR. WALLACE: I'm a 17-year-old girl and I normally don't drink, but last night my girlfriend and I went to a party and I got a bit tipsy. This morning when I woke up, it felt like I had been in a train wreck. My head ached and my body was sore all over. I've been informed by my friend, who suffered from the same disorder, that we had a hangover.

How can we avoid this very unpleasant experience in the future? Please don't respond by saying we can avoid future hangovers by not drinking. We are aware of this obvious fact. — Nameless, Monmouth, Ill.

NAMELESS: A hangover is the body's reaction to irresponsible drinking — too much or too fast. Why put your body through this misery? You've had your fling and discovered that alcohol is a potent drug. It's a depressant that alters the activity of the brain and its continued use can cause a multitude of problems. There is no way to avoid a hangover caused by being tipsy from consuming alcohol.

GO TEAM, GO!

DR. WALLACE: We have a cheerleading squad of seven members at our high school. All seven of us are females. During our tryout period we invited the boys to try out, but not one guy tried to make the squad. Why don't guys want to be cheerleaders? It takes a lot of strength, dexterity and stamina to be a successful cheerleader and I'm sure these qualities are abundant in a lot of guys. What gives? — Dotty, Philadelphia, Pa.

DOTTY: It's true that most guys choose not to try out for the cheerleading squad. It's probably because they are not as skilled as the girls when it comes to following the routines and performing skills that require a bit of gymnastics. Some guys also think being a cheerleader would diminish their "macho: image. When I was an administrator at Garden Grove (CA) High School, one of our cheerleaders was the now actor and comedian, Steve Martin. His cheerleading skills were superior and I'm sure his experience of being in front of large audiences leading cheers for the "Argonauts" was excellent preparation for his movie career. Maybe Steve's on-stage success could inspire other guys to lead the crowd in "Go team, Go!"

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@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.