DR. WALLACE: I'm a 20-year-old young woman dating a guy who is a mature 18-year-old. My family and friends are constantly giving me a hard time because I'm two years older than him.

I really like this guy, and I know he cares for me very much. He treats me like the lady that I am. We have a great time together, and I would even consider marrying him at a later time.

My dad keeps telling me to find a more mature guy. My older sister constantly "reminds" me that I'm dating a boy, not a man. At times, my friends laugh at me and say that I'm "robbing the cradle." That's because they are dating guys in their 20s and 30s.

My boyfriend graduated from high school a few months ago. Please let me know your thoughts. — Nameless, Salt Lake City, Utah

NAMELESS: The two-year age difference is insignificant. If you were 18 and Tommy happened to be 20, no one would say a word. In fact, people would consider you to be an ideal couple. As long as you enjoy being with this guy, continue dating him. Let the snide comments fall on deaf ears. Don't defend your actions. You don't have to. Just smile. Eventually, your family and friends will stop making remarks about his age and start asking you why you are smiling all the time.

I LIKE BOYS, BUT I CAN'T DATE

DR. WALLACE: I'm in the 9th grade and, like most girls my age, I'm interested in boys. My parents have told me that I'm not allowed to date until after I graduate from high school. They feel dating will get in the way of my studies. This is ridiculous. I am a superb student (I've gotten straight A's for the past four years), and I would never allow my grades to slip. I care too much about my future. I'm Korean, and education is very important in our culture.

My parents come from a culture where marriages are planned by the parents. They never dated at all. I could understand not letting me date until I'm 16, but after graduation is too restrictive. What are your thoughts? — Nameless, Anaheim, California

NAMELESS: Don't force the issue now. In two years, your mom and dad could have different thoughts on dating. When you reach 16, enlist the help of a trusted teacher or counselor to intercede on your behalf, if it's necessary.

GRIEVING IS VERY PERSONAL

DR. WALLACE: About a month ago, one of my best friends was killed in a car accident. She and her boyfriend were driving home from a wedding in a neighboring town. It was late, and he fell asleep at the wheel. The car veered off of the road and hit a tree. My friend was killed instantly, and he suffered severe injuries. The death was devastating, so much so that I couldn't go to the funeral. I just stayed at home and cried my eyes out.

Now, whenever I hear my other friends talk about the funeral I feel guilty I didn't go. In fact, one of my friends rather sarcastically asked me whether I was sick on the day of the funeral. Was I wrong in not attending? Please tell me no. — Nameless, Chicago.

NAMELESS: Grieving is very personal. You were not wrong for not attending.

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@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.