'Tween 12 and 20 by Dr. Robert Wallace

DR. WALLACE: I'm a 16-year-old girl and my best friend happens to be a guy. We talk every day on the phone and spend a lot of time together, shopping, listening to music, going to movies and other things that good friends do. My friend is cute, intelligent and very humorous. I know he likes me as more than a friend, but I have no romantic feelings for him. I sure wish I did, because then he would be the perfect boyfriend.

He knows I date other guys, but so far this hasn't bothered him. He even offers advice when I'm having boyfriend problems. I've encouraged him to start dating, but he says he isn't ready yet. When I say this guy is my best friend, I really mean it. I can talk to him about anything and get a good rational answer. I always tell the guys I'm dating that my best friend is a guy, and so far none of them have made an issue over it.

But one thing really bothers me. I'd like to tell this guy there's no chance we will ever be romantically involved. But I'm afraid if I do, I might drive him away. I never want to do that. What should I do? — Nameless, Tupelo, Miss.

NAMELESS: Ultimately, good friends have to be honest with each other and risk the consequences. It's important that your best friend be told that you are not romantically interested in him. He probably knows this anyway, but hearing it would make it final. He may remain your friend and confidant, especially if you can establish mutual grounds for the friendship to continue. But it's also possible he'll feel the need to withdraw from you somewhat. So be it!

RECYCLING PAPER REDUCES LANDFILL WASTE

DR. WALLACE: I recycle newspapers and paper products, first, because I want to help our environment by saving our wonderful trees. Next, I enjoy getting money for selling the paper products. I thought it was a win-win situation. But I saw a television program that talked about tree farms, and it said that recycling newspaper products is not saving our trees.

Are conservation advocates like me actually being conned? What gives? I only buy paper products that are made of recycled paper! — Jackie, Centralia, Wash.

JACKIE: Almost all of our paper comes from the many tree farms in the United States and Canada.

I encourage you to continue selling paper products and purchasing recycled paper products. It's people like you who are helping make our world a better place to live.

NOW I'M SORRY I GAVE HIM MY PHONE NUMBER

DR. WALLACE: Please help me. Last weekend, my friend and I went to our annual winter carnival. While standing in line waiting to buy some snack food, a guy accidentally bumped into me. He apologized and looked me square in the eye. He had the most beautiful blue eyes I've ever seen.

We stood there for about a minute staring at each other, when he finally blurted out, "You're beautiful. Fate caused us to meet." Then he asked me how old I was and if he could have my telephone number. I told him that I was almost 17 because people tell me I look that old, and I gave him my telephone number. He asked him to call me. He said he was 19.

Now I'm sorry I gave him my telephone number because I lied about my age. I'm 14 and not allowed to date. When he calls, I don't know how to handle things. I'm too embarrassed to tell him I'm only 14. Help! — Bridget, St. Paul, Minn.

BRIDGET: You don't have to tell him your age. When he calls, simply say you're not "almost 17" and aren't allowed to date. Apologize for lying and thank him for calling, but ask him to please not call again.

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.

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