DR. WALLACE: A guy and I dated regularly for over six months. When we first started dating, I really liked him and we had a lot of fun together. But the longer we dated, the less enjoyable it became. Last week, I decided to break up with him and I was going to tell him on our next date, which was to be tomorrow night.

Today he came over and told me that he was going to date another girl and no longer wanted to go out with me. I should have been happy, because I didn't know how I was going to tell him it was over between us. Instead, I got upset and started crying. Now I'm still upset and mad that he dumped me for another girl. This really hurts.

To be honest, I wouldn't take him back if he came begging on his knees, but to get dumped by him is just too much. Anything you can say to help me get rid of this feeling will be appreciated. — Nameless, Lake Charles, La.

NAMELESS: William Shakespeare wasn't an advice columnist, but I'm sure if you'd asked him, he would have reminded you that, "All's well that ends well." Let it go at that. Sometimes our mind can invent problems where none exist. Your ego was bruised, but it will heal.

MY DEAR DAUGHTER WAS DISCUSSING SEX

DR. WALLACE: I heard my 14-year-old daughter discussing sex with her girlfriend. They were not aware that I overheard their discussion. I wasn't shocked, but I was surprised at how much they knew. The thing that concerned me was a statement by my daughter that she thinks about sex almost every day. What should I do about this? Is there trouble on the horizon for her? Help! - Mother, Dyer, Ind.

MOTHER: You might say there's "trouble on the horizon" for her — it's called puberty! It is not surprising that a 14-year-old girl thinks about sex nearly every day. She's maturing physically and her hormones are extremely active. Thoughts of sex are normal and unavoidable for boys and for girls. This happened to you and it happened to me.

The most important thing for you to bear in mind is that thinking about sex is one thing, having sex is another. The best way to guarantee that your daughter's

thoughts don't lead to behavior problems is to remain a loving parent and keep the channels of communication open.

I WANT TO SEE IT IN PRINT

DR. WALLACE: I'm dating a guy who is a good friend. We really don't have a lot going romantically. We just have a good time when we are together.

My best friend thinks I'm crazy. She thinks couples should date because they "turn each other on," and she believes I'm wasting my time going out with a guy who will never be my husband. She does have a point! I know you will tell me to continue dating my guy friend. I just want to see it in print. — Nameless, Wheeling, W. Va.

NAMELESS: The prime reason teens date is to have fun, not to search for a mate. Continue dating your friend just as long as you two enjoy being together.

ENJOY A CLASS ON EVILS OF SMOKING

DR. WALLACE: Our high school will have a class on tobacco, dealing with the health problems it causes and showing teens who smoke how to kick the habit. The class will be required for all students and meet once a week. I'm a nonsmoker who will never smoke or use tobacco in any form. Taking this class will be a waste of time for me.

Why do schools get involved in teaching non-academics? I'm talking about driver's training, sex education, and now the evils of tobacco. — Julie, Chicago, Ill.

JULIE: The schools educate their students in certain nonacademic subjects when there is a pressing need to do so. In the case of a class on tobacco, the need exists because too many parents have failed to educate their children at home. Personally, I'm in favor of such a class.

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.