DR. WALLACE: I'm 16 and dating a guy who is 17. He's a really nice guy, but one thing bothers me. I can't stand his parents. They have these weird rules like he can't date but one night a week and he has to be in his house by 11:30 p.m. unless it's a special event. He's a year older than I am, and I think his rules are unbelievable! I can go out on two days of the weekends and my curfew is midnight for Friday and Saturday. What can I do to let his parents know that they are unreasonable and are putting a crimp on his social life? — Nameless, Saint Charles, Ill.

NAMELESS: You have a choice. Accept the rules set by this guy's parents, or move on to another guy. When you are not out with him, spend time with your family and friends, or get lost in a good book (or your homework). For the headache, an aspirin and a glass of water will help ease your pain.

YOU ARE PAYING FOR YOUR YOUTHFUL EXUBERANCE

DR. WALLACE: I graduated from high school in June and I'm working for a bakery owned by my grandfather. I was not a good student and did not like to study, so I will not be attending college.

My grandparents purchased a used car for me so I can get to work. I really like having my own car because I was tired of asking my mom if I could borrow hers. I am responsible for everything concerning the car — gas, upkeep, tires and insurance. I understand why gas prices are so high, but I don't understand why my insurance is unbelievably high. I don't drive recklessly, even though I do speed once in a while.

Why do insurance companies sock it to teens when it comes to premiums? I think they know we will pay them because we are so excited to get our own cars. This isn't fair. We are getting ripped off! — Mike, San Diego, Calif.

MIKE: Insurance companies make money by paying out less than they take in. That's a simple statement, but it's very true. One of the factors in determining premiums is the number of accidents for various age groups. Teens have excellent motor skills and could be superb drivers, but youthful exuberance overpowers caution. Young adults have the highest accident rate of any age group, so that's why your premium seems excessive. You are paying for youthful exuberance.

As an example of why insurance companies add a surcharge to young drivers, the National Highway Safety Administration reported that last year, drivers between the ages of 16 and 24 were involved in more than 16 percent of fatal alcohol-related accidents — the highest percentage of any age group.

No matter what you pay, the price is relatively low for the protection you have if you are involved in an accident. Like they say, you don't need insurance until you are involved in an accident!

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@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.