DR. WALLACE: I'm 19 and still living at home with my parents. I love them dearly. They are wonderful, God-fearing people and I know they love me dearly. I have always gone to church with them ever since I can remember. As I grow older, I started questioning some of the church's views on several important issues, including abortion, divorce, contraception and a few others.

I stopped attending this church several months ago. This disappointed my parents very much. I will start attending religious services again once I find a church that is in harmony with my beliefs. How can I convince my parents that I must do what I think is best for me spiritually? — Nameless, Peoria, Ill.

NAMELESS: You might never convince your parents that dropping their church to find one that you feel is spiritually best suited for your beliefs. But you must do what you feel is in your best interest. Your parents will always be disappointed, but they will always love you dearly forever.

YOU SHOULD HAVE CONTACTED YOUR MOTHER FIRST

DR. WALLACE: I've got a major problem. Last week I was at the mall with my friend and her mom when we saw a jewelry shop that pierced ears for free. My friend had her ears pierced and then her mom asked me if I wanted mine pierced and I said yes.

When I got home my mom freaked out. She called my friend's mom and told her off and then said I could no longer be friends with her daughter and that she was no longer welcome in our home.

I really feel bad about what happened, especially for my friend's mom. When I had my ears pierced her mom asked me if it was all right with my parents. I thought that it was, but I was wrong. My mother thinks that my friend's mom should have called her and discussed it with her before letting me get my ears pierced.

Mom and I got into a big argument because I said my friend's mom was innocent and that I'm the one to blame. My mom said that the lady was an adult and should have known to call her. I'm 14 years old. Please give me your opinion. — Sylvia, Salt Lake City, Utah.

SYLVIA: Your friend's mother thought she was being helpful, but she should have contacted your mom for permission. You should have done the same. My guess is that you didn't because, deep down, you knew she'd say no.

I don't blame your mom for being upset. Now that it's done, you'll need to re-earn her trust. Ask her to forgive you and tell you how you will regain that lost trust. If your contrition is sincere, Mom may eventually relent, and allow you to start seeing your friend again.

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.