DR. WALLACE: I'm 16 and have a real big problem that I hope you can help me with — and fast!

I'm both mentally and physically mature for my age, and because of this, I feel comfortable with a guy who is 22. Believe it or not, even though Kenny is six years older than I, he is very immature and insecure. He is very afraid that I will drop him. He is a "mamma's boy" and I guess that I "mother" him.

Kenny feels very comfortable when he is with me and I know that he loves me because we have discussed marriage. Besides, he gets very jealous if I talk to another guy. I also need to mention that I do really like Kenny, but I'm not sure if it's true love or not.

I'm not allowed to date. My parents think that I'm spending time with my best friend when I'm with Kenny. If they ever found out, I would be grounded forever.

Kenny and I are sexually involved and he also could be charged with statutory rape. Kenny is aware of the risk but he thinks I'm worth it.

My parents are very strict but they're very loving and I love them very much so I don't want to lose their trust in me. Do you see any harm in our relationship? Please say "No." Kenny and I have been seeing each other for over three months. — Nameless, Pittsburgh, Pa.

NAMELESS: Stop a moment, and let's review the important points. First, Kenny is six years older than you and also immature. Next, he's a jealous "mamma's boy." Point number three is that you're not permitted to date and you are breaking your parents' trust by sneaking out without their knowledge.

To make matters much worse, you're sexually active and Kenny could be charged with statutory rape and you could become pregnant. And, finally, you're not even sure you love this guy.

Break up with Kenny for all of the above-mentioned reasons. He will find another girl to mother him and you will meet many boys within your "age range" who will enjoy your company whenever Mom and Dad allow you to date.

Do this immediately! Waiting too long could be disastrous in many ways!

POOR BABY

DR. WALLACE: I'd like to respond to the young lady who complained that she had to work for four hours every Saturday in the family business. Poor baby! She feels her parents are infringing on her spare time? My heart bleeds for her.

I'm 17 and have been working in my father's law office every Saturday for over a year. He needed a part-time employee and I fit the bill. My dad pays me minimum wage and I give him six hours of honest work. The money is great, but more importantly, I've gotten to know my father much better. I love him more now than ever. I also do my chores at home and have been involved in student government at school. I still have time to spend with my boyfriend (Saturday and Sunday evenings) and with my family (Sunday afternoons).

Don't get me wrong, I've got my share of faults and hang-ups, and I'm far from a goody-goody, but I'll do almost anything to help my family. - Monica, Portland, Maine.

MONICA: Thanks for sharing with our readers. Teens who put family first are generally the ones who succeed in life.

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.