DR. WALLACE: My cousin Ted is going with my best friend, Karen, and I thought they were a great couple, but now I'm not so sure. I know she really is in love with him, and she thinks he loves her, too.

Well, last Sunday, we had a big family reunion picnic and I was disappointed that I wasn't going to be able to go because my dad had to work. Then, at the last minute, my dad was able to get someone to work for him that day and we went to the picnic after all. I was having a great time when I ran into my cousin who was with a girl that was not Karen! I was surprised, but Ted nearly flipped when he saw me because I already had told him our family wouldn't be there. He later told me that he was planning to break up with Karen in a few days, and he asked me not to say anything to her. I didn't answer him.

What do you think I should do? Should I just keep quiet or tell my best friend that her boyfriend is a two-timing jerk? - Lindsey, Seattle, Wash.

LINDSEY: Wait a few days to see if Ted keeps his word, but if he doesn't, tell Karen the bad news with as much compassion as possible. That's what best friends are for!

I DETEST WAR, CORRUPTION, RACISM, SEXISM AND VIOLENCE

DR. WALLACE: I am tired of being hassled and harassed by people just because I'm what they call a "punker." I'm hassled only because of the way I look and dress. I do not do drugs, smoke or drink. I happen to attend a very prestigious private school, am an Eagle Scout, and plan to study chemistry when I attend college.

I detest war, corruption, racism, sexism and yes, violence. Please don't judge, lest ye be judged. Remember, we all are individuals, and we should all live and love together. If we can walk together, why can't we rock together? Your comments, please. - Luke, Naples, Fla.

LUKE: I am a firm believer that a human being should be judged on character — and the character of friends.

I DON'T FEEL I SHOULD PAY

DR. WALLACE: Last Saturday a couple of my friends and I were playing basketball in the driveway of a friend's house. The games always get a little rough and this time, I broke my left arm when I fell to the cement while trying to rebound a missed shot. Actually, the bone in my arm was just cracked, but I do have a cast on protecting it. My medical expenses are $800. Since I have more than $1,000 saved in the bank from part-time jobs, my parents (who don't have medical insurance on me because they're self-employed) feel that I should pay the bills. I don't feel I should have to pay. While we're not rich, we're far from being on welfare. - Mitch, Phoenix, Ariz.

MITCH: If paying the medical bills would not create a financial strain on the family budget, I feel the responsibility for paying the medical bills belongs to your parents. The fact that you were wise in saving more than $1,000 should not be a factor. If you had spent your earnings foolishly and not saved anything, then would your parents voluntarily pay the bills?

If your parents have a homeowner's insurance policy, have them check with the insurance company to see if there's a possibility that your accident might be covered. Also, check with the people who own the house where the accident occurred. It doesn't cost anything to ask.

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.