DR. WALLACE: I have a most unusual situation. I'm a freshman at Indiana University and I'm in love with two guys. Before I entered I.U., I dated Jeff. We were high school sweethearts and I love him dearly. We broke up because I thought it better if we dated others while I was away at school.

My "problem" is that Kenneth has entered my life. Kenneth is a sophomore from Crown Point, Indiana. I met him in my English class and we have been dating for several months. Kenneth is a really special individual and I've fallen in love with him and he says that he loves me. Of course, I've discussed my feelings toward Jeff with Kenneth, but he doesn't seem to mind because he thinks that, in time, he can steal my heart and then I will forget all about Jeff.

I know that I will eventually have to tell Jeff about Kenneth and I know that he will accept this gracefully. I really need to know if you think I have a big problem, or do you think that I'm a very lucky young woman? - Nameless, Bloomington, Indiana.

NAMELESS: If you are positive that Jeff will not mind sharing you with Kenneth, I suggest you continue your unusual, but exciting, love life.

However, if the time ever comes when you must make a choice, you won't have to contact me to find out who the lucky guy will be. You will know within your own heart.

P.S.: Somehow I hope the winner will be your high school sweetheart — Jeff!

LISTEN TO EX-WIFE'S STORY

DR. WALLACE: I'm 20 and engaged to a guy who is 23. We set a wedding date for my birthday, December 11. Our relationship has been short, but sweet. We met at a mutual friend's 21st birthday party and it seemed to be love at first sight for both of us. He is a musician and I am a flight attendant, so we don't have a lot of time together, but the time we do share is wonderful.

About a week ago, I received a call from a woman who said that she read about our engagement in the local newspaper and felt it necessary to tell me that she is this guy's former wife and that she divorced him because of the physical abuse she endured while they were together.

I was totally shocked by the conversation. She gave me her phone number and said that she would meet with me if I want such a meeting. Now I'm really confused. One minute I think that I'm going to marry the man of my dreams and a phone call later I'm an emotional wreck.

I discussed this with my mother and she said that I must talk to this girl immediately. My best girlfriend told me to forget the phone call because the ex-wife probably still loves the guy and can't bring herself to realize that he is getting married. What should I do? I'm really confused. — Nameless, Dyer. Ind.

NAMELESS: You can't ignore that phone call. Take your mother's advice. Meet with the ex-wife, listen to her story, and ask many questions. You'll get a sense of whether she's telling the truth or just acting out of jealousy. To the extent possible, seek out others who know her to verify her story.

Has your fiance talked about her or even told you he was previously married? If he hasn't, that's very suspicious. Ultimately, you will need to ask him what is the actual story concerning the situation. Don't rush into a wedding when serious questions like this remain unanswered.

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.