DR. WALLACE: I'm 16 and dating a wonderful guy. I'm a Christian, but he worships God in another religion. We have a good time together, but we don't discuss religion. My mother is upset because this boy will not go to church with us. Because he won't attend our church, she considers him to be a heathen and unfit to be dating her daughter. What mom doesn't know is that I'm not marrying this boy; I'm only going out with him. Also, I would not attend his religious services, but his parents are not upset because of this.
What can I do to get my mother to understand that this boy is good and decent with high moral values? I think she'd be happy if I went out with a guy from our church even if he was a jerk. Help! — Anonymous, Evanston, Illinois
ANONYMOUS: Make sure your mother reads today's column. When she reads your letter, she might be able to appreciate the fact that your boyfriend is a wonderful guy with high moral values. Many parents would be happy to have this kind of "problem."
I FREAK OUT!
DR. WALLACE: I'm a 17-year-old female and love animals — all kinds of animals. I have a dog, a cat, a horse and a white rat. Each one is precious to me. My goal is to be a veterinarian — that is, if I can overcome a major problem. I freak out at the sight of blood.
I know I will continue to love all animals, but should I change my career goal? — An Animal Lover, Oklahoma City
ANIMAL LOVER: Visit a local Humane Society and ask if you can volunteer to help the veterinarian who takes care of the health of the animals at the shelter. That way, you can ask questions and see for yourself if you could perform the same services someday if you were to become a vet.
Four hours on a few Saturdays a month would be a valuable experience for you and a huge help to those homeless animals. I wouldn't give up your goal at this early stage of your potential career path. Your ability to assist animals might very well grow over time, and your fear of blood could dissipate. Give it time and do some good volunteer deeds for now! I trust you will enjoy the experience.
EATING DISORDERS ARE SERIOUS
DR. WALLACE: I know that anorexia is an eating disorder where young adults literally starve to death. Will you please tell me the percentage of those who have this eating disorder who actually starve to death? My aunt has a daughter who is anorexic, but my aunt isn't doing anything about it because she thinks her daughter is just going through a phase. — Worried, Baltimore
BRENDA: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has estimated that anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that affects about 1 percent of all teenage girls. Without professional intervention, many anorexic victims do starve to death. It is estimated that over 1,000 young women and 100 young men die each year from the direct or indirect effects of anorexia nervosa.
Diet and weight are very important issues for teens, especially girls. Make sure your aunt reads your question and my answer. Anorexia nervosa is a very serious eating disorder and should not be considered a "phase."
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.
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