DR. WALLACE: I'm 17. I have a huge problem and need all the advice I can get. I live with my adoptive parents, who I love very much. I consider them to be my mother and father. I never use the word "adoptive" when I mention them, but in this case it is important for you to know.

I really care for Howard, who is 18 and now living in California with relatives because he got into a lot of trouble here in our town. My parents refuse to allow me to be in contact with Howard in any way, and they said that as long as I'm living at home that rule is in effect. To compound things, Howard is my mother's youngest brother. Since my mother and I are not related by blood, there is no reason why Howard and I can't be romantically involved. Please tell me what I should do. Howard wants me to come to California after I graduate from high school in June.

I'm really confused. Something inside me is telling me to go for it, but when I seriously think about it, I have my doubts. I guess you could say my heart says yes, but my brain says no. — Nameless, Zanesville, Ohio.

NAMELESS: In this case, your brain is making a lot more sense than your heart. Running off to California to be with Howard sounds like certain disaster. Even though you're adopted, he's still your uncle. And your mother knows him much better than you do. Sever all contact with him immediately!

MAKE OTHER FRIENDS, THE MORE, THE BETTER!

DR. WALLACE: I'm 13 and I need your advice. Kim and I were best friends. Then a girl named Brianna moved into our neighborhood, and Kim and Brianna became good friends and I hardly saw her anymore.

One day, I wrote Kim a letter and said that I didn't like her anymore. The next day Kim told me at school that she was never going to talk to me again. Now I'm sorry that I wrote the letter because I do like her and I miss our friendship. I don't know why I ever wrote the letter in the first place. What should I do? I feel terrible. — Leanne, St. Catharines, Ontario.

LEANNE: Write Kim another note and tell her you're sorry for saying you didn't like her because you really do. Tell her you want to continue being friends. When you see her at school, say "Hi." Let's hope Kim accepts your apology.

Still, it would be good if you made other friends — the more, the better! Don't sit at home feeling sorry for yourself. Get involved in school activities, at church and in the community. These are excellent places to meet new friends.

WHEN YOU DRINK BEER, YOU BREAK THE LAW

DR. WALLACE: I'm 18 and do a little drinking on the weekends with friends. I never get drunk, but I know that alcohol can alter your judgment. I need to know how long I should wait before driving after I've had two beers. — Nameless, Pampa, Texas

NAMELESS: According to the American Council on Science and Health, everyone should abstain from alcohol a minimum of five hours prior to operating a vehicle. Even the consumption of one beer or one glass of wine can affect a driver's judgment and coordination.

Since you're only 18, you shouldn't be drinking at all. The minimum age for consuming alcohol in all states and the District of Columbia is 21. Every time you have a beer, you break the law! Have you considered new friends?

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 [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.