DR. WALLACE: Our high school year just ended, and now I'm looking forward to some fun in the sun this summer. But since I'll be attending college in the fall, I've been searching around for a good part-time summer job so that I can save up some money.

I started out by submitting applications for several jobs, and while I was waiting to get offers to interview, a neighbor down the street from our family offered me a babysitting/nanny job to care for their kids that pays very, very well! The family is great, and the job is a great fit for me.

My problem is that my high school boyfriend does not like the fact that I'll be spending several Friday and Saturday nights working until 10:00 p.m. It won't be every weekend, but it will likely be two weekends a month. I am also working some daytime hours with those kids — and they are good kids, so it's a great opportunity for me. But my boyfriend dislikes me being unavailable on weekend evenings so much that he even threatened to date other girls this summer even though we've been an exclusive couple for nearly a year.

We are actually going to be attending two different colleges, about an hour apart from each other. On the one hand, I'd like to see our relationship through, but on the other hand, we will be on two different campuses this fall, and if he's already threatening me to date other girls this summer, it means he'll be dating whoever he can this fall at his college, right? — He's Not a Team Player Anymore, via email

HE'S NOT A TEAM PLAYER ANYMORE: Sadly, I agree with your premise that he's more interested in a full and busy social calendar than he is further developing the relationship he has with you.

Since you two will be apart next fall anyhow, it may be time for you to simply smile, hold your ground and take the job you were offered. You'll soon find out if he's been bluffing you or if he meant every word about going out with other people.

Give him the opportunity to show his hand. Either way, you'll learn a lot about him, and you'll also be in a better position to decide what your next move is — even though you're already somewhat prepared for what may be inevitable anyhow.

OUR DATES WERE GREAT, BUT HE'LL BE GONE SOON

DR. WALLACE: I met a guy and we went out on only three dates, but we got along great. I enjoyed spending time with him and daydreamed about him a time or two. I went so far as to imagine a future together with him that might involve children someday.

Now, "someday" feels like it will never come, because he called me today to inform me that he just enrolled in the military and that he will be assigned overseas for about two years.

I was shocked and stunned that he could just tell me this out of the blue, especially since we were getting along so well and were well on our way towards a solid relationship.

What can I do? I don't think I can talk him out of his decision, and I really don't think waiting around for two years is going to make me happy.

What should I say to him? I'm going to meet him in a few days to say goodbye, at least for now. — Unwelcome News, via email

UNWELCOME NEWS: The good news is that your three dates were enjoyable and that you like him a lot. At least for now, you've only had a small amount of time invested emotionally in him.

I suggest that you wish him well, tell him that you'll surely miss him and that he's free to look you up when he returns to America after his tour of duty.

You could opt to try your best to stay in touch with him during his long absence, but in my opinion, your first instinct about not wanting to wait two years is correct, especially at this stage.

Live your life and move on for now. If your paths happen to cross again at some point in the future, take whatever actions may be appropriate for you at that time.

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.

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