DR. WALLACE: I'm 17 and will attend college in the fall of 2016. My school days have been marred because of my unusual full name. People who don't know me find it difficult to pronounce — and a lot of people who do know me make fun of it.

I plan to legally change my name as soon as I turn 18. This bothers my family. They show me movie stars, musicians and even politicians who have difficult names to pronounce. They say that no one today changes their names. But I hate my name, and I'm going to change it. Nothing is going to change my mind.

As a regular reader of your column, I know this is the advice you give teens who dislike their names, so I'm sure you'll agree with me. But I'd be happy if you would print my letter so I could show your answer to my family. Maybe they'll finally see things my way. — T.J., San Antonio, Tex.

T.J.: By all means, change your name. Why should you suffer your whole life with a name you hate? You can't change your heredity, but you can change your name — it's easy, and no one should make you feel guilty for doing so, not even your parents.

Yes, most people keep the names they were given at birth; some people with unusual names like the distinction it gives them. But others can't stand it. Some people even find their names too ordinary and, in adulthood, pick a name with more flair; Susan Weaver, for instance, became Sigourney Weaver. But most people who change their names go the other direction.

This is a personal matter, and comparing one person's decision about his or her name with another's is pointless. I'm sure screen actor Marion Morrison was quite pleased he changed his name to John Wayne.

I'M UPSET BECAUSE AN EX IS DATING MY FRIEND

DR. WALLACE: Why is it that when a boyfriend breaks up with you, you always get upset with the new girl he dates, especially if the new girl just happens to be one of your good friends? Let me give you an example.

Lance and I broke up after going together for seven months. We both wanted our freedom to date others. About a month ago I started seeing Mike, and I really like him a lot and wouldn't even consider dumping Mike to go back with Lance. No way!

Last week Lance started dating Amy, who is one of my friends. Now I find myself becoming upset at Amy and Lance. Why is this? — Nameless, Reno, Nev.

NAMELESS: It's just human nature to want a discarded item returned when you discover someone else wants it. Many times I've observed a young child ignore a particular toy for weeks, but as soon as a playmate gets interested in it, the toy is suddenly precious and not to be shared.

TELL MOM AND DAD THANKS FOR LOVING YOU

DR. WALLACE: Please answer my question. It is extremely important to me. Do you think that adoptive parents can love their children as much as natural parents love their children? I'm 12, and I'm adopted. — Nameless, Goshen, Ind.

NAMELESS: I sure do. Adoptive parents may well love a child even more than some biological parents love their children. The reason is simple. Adoptive parents wanted to be parents and some biological parents merely had no choice.

Put your arms around Mom and Dad, give them a big hug and a kiss, and tell them thanks for wanting and loving you!

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@galesburg.net. 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.