DR. WALLACE: Our history teacher told the class that the child's game of "Ring-around-a-rosy" was started by a horrible tragedy, but she didn't say what it was. What horrible tragedy is she talking about? — Anita, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

ANITA: I'm sure your teacher wanted you to research the answer in a library or on your computer — that is what I had to do because you made me a bit curious.

"Ring-around-a-rosy" did, indeed, have a gruesome origin — the fatal bubonic plague that swept England in 1665.

The "rosy" referred to is the rosy rash of the disease; "posies" were herbs and spices carried to sweeten the air; and "we all fall down" meant falling down dead. The words to the game are "Ring-around-a-rosy, pockets full of posies, ashes, ashes, we all fall down."

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS

DR. WALLACE: I'm 16 and so is my boyfriend. It so happens that I am 2 inches taller than he is. This doesn't bother either of us, but we (especially me) get a lot of teasing from my friends because I'm so much taller than he is. What can I do to get these "friends" to stop making these remarks? I really care for this guy. — Enid, Monmouth, Ill.

ENID: Smile and say nothing. Actions speak louder than words. Is it possible that some of your "friends" could be a wee bit jealous?

HE HAD ROBBED AT LEAST FIVE STORES

DR. WALLACE: I'm 18 and the guy I was dating is 20. I say was because he is locked up for three years. He was convicted of armed robbery. He and his buddy were caught robbing a liquor store. My boyfriend told me that this was the first time he had used a gun to steal money, but another of his close friends told me that he had robbed at least five liquor stores, but this was the first time he was caught. This guy and I correspond by letter. He keeps telling me that he loves me and that he has learned his lesson and that he will be a model citizen after he is released. I really want to believe him because I like this guy very much.

My mom (she's a single parent) wants me to stop contacting him, but I find that hard to do. Also, I feel that my letters keep him from being lonely. What are your feelings about this? — Angie, El Paso, Tex.

ANGIE: It's very possible that your boyfriend will wind up a model citizen after he has paid his debt to society. We will just have to wait and see. But my main concern is for you, not him! I agree with your mother 100 percent. While he could develop into a good citizen, it's also possible that he won't. I'd rather you didn't take the chance. Besides, three years is much too long to wait for a surprise!

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