DR. WALLACE: My boyfriend (for the past year) is moving to his grandmother's house because his parents are getting a divorce. His grandmother lives about 100 miles away. Tony wants us to break up so we can date others.

I love Tony, and I know that he loves me, so I want us to continue our relationship until such time that we can be together again. We are both 16. Tony doesn't think that long-distance relationships are good, but I do. Please give me your opinion. —Lisa, Green Bay, Wis.

LISA: Long-distance relationships can work when both individuals are dedicated to make it work, but when one doesn't feel that way, it would be better to end the relationship and "rekindle" the flame at a future time if the spark remains.

FOR ME, SMOKING IS ENJOYABLE

DR. WALLACE: You are constantly saying bad things about tobacco products and those who manufacture them. Are you aware that the levels of tar in cigarettes have declined a lot in the past decade? This shows that manufacturers are constantly doing what they can to make their products less dangerous.

For me, smoking is an enjoyable and relaxing experience, and I won't give it up. I never smoke in my office or my house, and I respect others by never smoking around non-smokers. When I light up, it's in the great outdoors or when I'm alone in my car. I wish you would stop "nagging" about the evils of smoking. —Sarah, Fort Wayne, Ind.

SARAH: While cigarette tar and nicotine levels are, as you say, lower today than they were 10 years ago, smoking is still as dangerous and potentially deadly as ever. This is because American smokers — especially women — smoke more cigarettes per day, inhale more deeply and begin smoking at a much earlier age.

Indeed, smoking-related death rates are higher today than ever before, according to the University of California Wellness Letter. The number of people who die annually from the effects of tobacco smoke is staggering. For that reason, I would be remiss if I didn't throw some cold water on your "enjoyable" but foolish habit and urge you to stop smoking.

MOM NEEDS TO READ THIS COLUMN

DR. WALLACE: My parents went through a nasty divorce about six months ago. My 14-year-old brother and I live with our mother. We accept this because we love her, but we also love our father.

Our problem is Mom makes it very difficult for us to spend time with our father. For example, one time she knew we were supposed to meet Dad for dinner. I reminded her when she left to go shopping that afternoon that we would need the car at 6 p.m. Mom returned at 8:45 p.m., saying that she had forgotten about the dinner date.

Another time my dad called on a Sunday afternoon to say he was coming over to take us to a movie. Mom never told us. Instead, she took us to a movie half an hour before Dad arrived. I could go on and on, but you get the picture.

Is there anything I can do to get Mom to stop interfering with our relationship with Dad? If it weren't for the home phone, we wouldn't have any contact with him whatsoever because we are not allowed to have cell phones yet. I don't think Mom realizes she is building resentment in us that could last a long time. Do you have any suggestions for getting Mom to stop trying to keep us away from our Dad? —Ashley, Sacramento, Calif.

ASHLEY: Maybe the easiest approach is to ask your mother to read this column. It will tell her how you feel and should leave a lasting impression on her. Many times the written word is more potent than the spoken word.

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 [email protected]. 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.