Don’t ignore friends closer to home

Dr. Wallace: This past Christmas I met a guy who lives in Ireland. He was in Canada visiting his grandmother. We really hit it off and the day before he left for his hometown of Dublin, he asked me to be his girlfriend. He said he wouldn’t date any girls in Ireland if I wouldn’t date any boys here in Canada. I said yes.

We are both 16. We stay in touch by emailing each other and calling. He told me he probably wouldn’t be returning to Canada for two years. My parents think I’m making a big mistake by missing out on a normal social life. I really don’t care because some day I hope to marry this guy and live with him in Ireland. He has told me that Ireland is a very beautiful country.

So now my parents have asked me to write to you for your view of this situation. I know you’ll agree with them and tell me I’m foolish for having a boyfriend so far away, but I’m sorry, I just won’t allow you or anyone else to change my mind. — Rose, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Rose: Abandoning a social life for at least two years is unwise. There is no reason why you can’t have a “boy” friend in Ireland and still enjoy the company of Canadian boys at home.

If you still won’t allow me or anybody else to change your mind, you will be missing out on some of the most exciting and enjoyable teen years!

Dr. Wallace: I’ll try to make this as simple as possible. Carl and I had been dating for about three months. He’s a nice guy and we had a lot of good times together.

Then about two weeks ago, I met Jerry at a party and he “swept me off my feet.” He was terribly handsome and had a great personality. He asked me if I was seeing anyone at the present

ROBERT WALLACE

time and I told him I was. He responded by saying, “Dump the guy and you and I can be a twosome.”

I couldn’t believe my ears. I gave him my telephone number and told him to call me in two days and by that time I would not be “attached.” The next day I told Carl that I didn’t want to go out with him anymore because I had met another guy. He was really upset and disappointed, but said he’d be standing by if I ever needed him.

Jerry called and said we would be going out Saturday night and I agreed. But Saturday came and went and Mr. Handsome was a noshow. That’s right, he stood me up. He called Sunday afternoon and said he got sick and couldn’t call me. Then I asked him when we’d be going out and he said he’d call me in a few days. I waited for a week and he didn’t call. So last night I called Carl and told him I had made a mistake and wanted to date him again. He was thrilled and all-forgiving.

Well, you guessed it. Jerry called and asked me out. He said he had tickets to a concert and had spent a fortune to get them. I didn’t tell him I had talked with Carl and that we were back together.

Now I’m sort of confused. I’m glad Carl took me back, but I’d also like to go out with Jerry at least once, and going to the concert would be a bonus. What should I do? Please hurry with your answer. — Eden, Tampa, Fla.

Eden: Tell Mr. Handsome to take his concert tickets and get lost — and not to contact you again. He has proven he’s not to be trusted.

Be thankful that you’ve got a boyfriend as forgiving and considerate as Carl.