DR. WALLACE: I'm 19 and my boyfriend is 21, and we've been going out for about three months. His ex-girlfriend had broken up with him just before we started dating. So my problem is that he is always comparing me to his ex-girlfriend — she dresses better, kisses better, laughs more, is smarter, and drives a newer car.

Not only that, but he sometimes calls and makes a date, but then doesn't even show up. He treats me like dirt and is rude when we are on a date. He has even called me stupid in front of a lot of people.

I always forgive him because I really like him and he is the most handsome guy I've ever dated. My mom told me I should end my relationship with him, but I don't want to do that. What do you think I should do? — Kelly, Elkhart, Ind.

KELLY: Mom is right. This guy is a real jerk and you should dump him immediately, if not sooner. Tell him to go back to his ex (although, chances are, she dumped him for the same reason).

TELL PARENTS WHO WILL BE MOST THRILLED

DR. WALLACE: When a couple plans to get married, whose parents should be told first? — Beth, Moline, Ill.

BETH: The parents who are more likely to be thrilled about the wedding. Or, is it possible that both sets of parents might be present when the exciting news is announced?

I AGREE WITH DAD

DR. WALLACE: I'm 15 and need your advice. My high school softball coach is very nice and we have become good friends. A few times after practice she has invited me out for a soda.

My dad doesn't think I should be going out with my coach for a soda. My mom thinks it's OK. What do you think? I really would like to have a soda after practice with the coach. — Nameless, Phoenix, Ariz.

NAMELESS: I agree with Dad. All contact with the coach should end when practice is over. The coach should know better than to invite you to have a soda after practice.

THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR STORY

DR. WALLACE: I'm a 20-year-old young lady and I used to travel in the fast lane. I partied until dawn and used drugs and alcohol. I am an attractive young lady and therefore I had more than my share of men. I never attended church, and I didn't want to.

But one day I saw that I was getting nowhere fast. I felt there was something missing in my life. I couldn't figure out what it was until I decided to try going to church.

My "friends" talked about me, and even spread rumors that I had an abortion. Old boyfriends called me on the phone and told me I was crazy. But I didn't give up because I knew that I had found something that could satisfy my life without being wild.

My life has changed for the better and I'm happier than I've ever been. All of this happened because I chose the "right lane" over the fast lane. I'm writing this letter hoping that teens who are seeking to make a change for the better in their lives can follow in my footsteps. — Nameless, Miami, Fla.

NAMELESS: Thanks for sharing your story. It will encourage teens at the "crossroads" to take the right path!

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.

Photo credit: Jeremy Segrott