DR. WALLACE: My very best friend found out last week that she's pregnant. Her boyfriend is trying to talk her into having an abortion, but she isn't sure what she wants to do. Her parents are aware that she's pregnant. Of course, they're not happy about it, but they are leaving the decision entirely up to her. They said they would stand by her regardless of what she decides to do. My friend has really used me as a sounding board and has told me that I mean more to her at this time than her parents.

Now here comes the hard part. My parents both want me to sever all contact with my friend. They think it's disgraceful that she's pregnant and feel strongly that the "sin" she committed will taint me if I continue to be her friend. My parents used to like my friend, but not anymore. I never dreamed they would act this way because they are religious and attend church regularly. Please give me your thoughts on this. My friend and I are both 18 years old. — Nameless, La Fayette, La.

NAMELESS: Your parents are very unwise in their thinking. You would be tainted if you deserted a friend in her time of need. This young lady desperately needs you right now and I urge you to continue to give her love and support despite your parents' objections.

What a shame they are unable to be supportive of you and see that true friendship means sticking with someone through the tough times. I hope they eventually do see this and are able to stop adding to your friend's difficulties by condemning her.

THIS IS THE UNIVERSAL HEALER

DR. WALLACE: A very dear friend of mine was killed in an automobile accident a month ago, and I cannot shake this terrible depression I feel. He is in my thoughts every second that I'm awake. I'm 19 and he was 21.

I'm contacting you to find out if the emotional pain I feel will ever leave me. I pray that it will. I will never forget this guy as long as I live. But I want to be happy when I think of him because he was such a good human being and a marvelous friend. - Nameless, Detroit, Mich.

NAMELESS: Time is the universal healer of almost all our wounds, both physical and emotional.

You will always remember the tragic loss of a loved one or a friend, but with time, the depression ebbs and wonderful thoughts and memories of your friend replace the blues.

However, if your depression grows stronger, or you feel that you are incapable of coping by yourself, please seek professional counseling.

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.