DR. WALLACE: Before school was out for the summer, a guy walked up to me during lunch break and punched me on the back of the head. He hit me so hard it knocked me down. The reason for his attack: He thought I stole his girlfriend. It's true I'm going out with his ex-girlfriend, but I had nothing to do with their breakup. The girl dumped him because he's a jerk.

Our school has a rule that when two students get into a fight on campus, both are suspended. I realized this when I picked myself off the cement and proceeded to punch this guy's lights out. I really whipped his tail for two reasons. First, he sucker-punched me, and second, he embarrassed me in front of my friends. I had no choice but to do battle. It felt good to whip him, but it didn't feel good to get suspended by the vice-principal for two days for fighting. Even though I didn't start this fight, I did finish it, so I'm not upset about being suspended. I deserved it.

My parents are really upset because they think my suspension will be on my record and it will hinder my chance to get into a good college or university. Is this possible? — Kyle, Boston, Mass.

KYLE: As a former high school principal, I can assure you that a fight on campus is a serious offense. As soon as a fight starts the entire student body wants to witness it. In the great majority of cases one of the fighters was the aggressor, but as they say, "It takes two to tango. If I had known all the facts as a principal, I would have suspended you and then said "Kyle, you did the right thing by defending yourself."

Fights happen, two or more fights on a student's record might raise the eyebrows of college admission officials, but a one-timer will not be the deciding factor of admission to college. Grades are the most important and activity participation is a distant second. I hope my response will cause your parents to get more sleep!

TELL STEVE GOODBYE AND GOOD LUCK

DR. WALLACE: I need your advice. I really like David and he really likes me. We have lots in common and would like to start dating each other. It sounds simple enough, doesn't it?

Well, it isn't that simple because I'm already going steady with Steve. We agreed to remain a couple even though he moved to Arizona. He was going to write to me and give me his address once his family found a house to live in, but so far he hasn't called or even sent me a postcard.

My brother says I should wait six months from the time he moved to see if I hear from him before assuming that he's not going to contact me. My older sister thinks I've waited too long already. I'd like to hear your point of view. — Beth, Denver, Colo.

BETH: Go out with David. If Steve happens to contact you later, you then can formally tell him goodbye and good luck.

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.