DR. WALLACE: My dad says that "daydreaming" is a sign of being unorganized and lazy. Is that true? If it is, I'm unorganized and lazy, but I really don't believe that I am. — Nameless, Lake Charles, La.

NAMELESS: Daydreaming is a normal, common experience in which nearly everyone indulges daily, according to the University of Michigan Medical Center. For most daydreamers these experiences are welcome mental mini-vacations. However if daydreaming interferes with your normal routine of daily living, you should become concerned. For example, if your schoolwork is hindered because of excessive daydreaming, then obtaining help is in order.

THIS JAIL STAY MUST BE YOUR LAST

DR. WALLACE: I'm a 19-year-old guy who is in a County Jail in Indiana. Two weeks before I went behind bars I met a wonderful 18-year-old girl. She is attending college and has a part-time job. She has very high morals. I even had to meet her parents before we went out. I've been out with her three times and, out of respect, I didn't even try to kiss her, which was a big mistake.

When she writes to me she signs her name "Your friend." I want her for more than a friend, but I think I "blew it" when I didn't kiss her. I'll be here until August. What can I do? — Mike, Somewhere in Indiana.

MIKE: First of all, make sure you maintain the same high moral standard as the wonderful 18-year-girl possesses. And be absolutely sure that your present stay in jail is your last stay!

I realize that things can really be frustrating when you are trying to court a young lady while incarcerated, but the mere fact that she is writing shows she is interested in you. Write to her once a week and keep letting her know that you will be very happy to see her in August.

CHEWING GUM WAS A BIG SCHOOL PROBLEM

DR. WALLACE: My mom is a teacher and receives many educational magazines in the mail. Since I also plan to be an elementary teacher, I read some of the articles in them. One article reported that 50 years ago, the top problems in classrooms were talking to friends during class, passing notes, chewing gum, cutting in line, running in the halls, being late for class, littering and dress code violations.

Today, the serious school infractions include drug abuse, alcohol abuse, tobacco abuse, theft, assault, verbal and physical abuse towards educators, rape and murder. What has caused our schools to become so bad? — Megan, Chicago, Ill.

MEGAN: Don't blame the schools for the upheaval that takes place within their walls. The blame belongs to the moral decay in our society that has taken roots sadly in our schools.

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.

Photo credit: Derek Key