DR. WALLACE: I'm 15 and a very trustworthy young lady. I love my mom very much even though she is super strict and is always checking up on me. Every Wednesday after school I go to my best friend's house to work together on a research paper for social studies. I always get to her house at 3:15 and leave at 4:45.

Every Wednesday morning, Mom calls my girlfriend's mom to check to see if it's O.K. for me to go over there. The answer is always the same, "Yes, it's no bother and we enjoy having Sara as a guest." Not only that but she calls every Wednesday afternoon around 4 p.m. to make sure if I'm still there. The answer is always the same, "Yes, she's still here and the girls are working on their assignment."

It really bothers me that my mom doesn't trust me and it's also embarrassing that she keeps checking on me. Sometimes I wonder if she calls the school to see if I'm in class. What can I do to get Mom to stop acting like she's working for the FBI? — Bothered, Pittsburgh, Pa.

BOTHERED: Your mom is concerned about your safety and welfare when you are out of her sight. It's not so much that she doesn't trust you; it's more that she feels relieved when she knows you are safe and sound. You needn't be embarrassed by Mom's calls. I'm sure your friend's mom understands how your mom feels.

Instead of waiting for that afternoon check-up call, why not call your mother when you arrive at your friend's house. And if it makes her feel better, let her say a few words to your friend's mom. Believe me, it's much better to have a parent like your mom than to have one who doesn't care where you go or who you're with.

YOUR STORY IS A RARE EXCEPTION

DR. WALLACE: A couple of years ago, I wrote to you and explained that I was a 17-year-old high school cheerleader who was in love with our football coach, who at the time was 25. You told me not to get involved with the coach and to start seeing guys my own age. I gave your advice some serious consideration, but love won out in the end.

I'm happy to announce that the coach and I are now happily married for over a year and we have a darling 3-month old baby girl. My parents and friends were not supportive at first and they were furious that I was dating a teacher from my school, but they have since changed their minds. Everyone sees him now as the wonderful, caring and loving person that I fell in love with.

I was glad that you took the time to print my letter, but I'm very thankful that I did not take your advice. My husband is no longer teaching now because he has gone into the family business with his father and his brother and he is making more money now than when he was teaching. — Nameless, Houston, Tex.

NAMELESS: What's done is done! I wish you and your husband and baby all the best. You are now a family and that's of prime importance. I'm thrilled that everything has worked out beautifully for you, but if another 17-year-old student wrote to me saying that she was romantically involved with a teacher at her school, I'd still give her the same advice: Don't do it!

Your story is the rare exception because teacher/student affairs at the high school level usually end in disaster.

It doesn't surprise me that your husband left teaching. I'm pleased that he's financially successful, but neither am I surprised that he's making more money working in the family business. Nearly all business professionals make more money than teachers.

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.