DR. WALLACE: What is the best way to get rid of a bad reputation? I won't go into all the things that earned me my reputation. Let's just say the list would be long and colorful. I'm 16, and realize now that when a boy tells you he loves you, all he's saying is that he loves your body.

Three months ago, my parents divorced, and I'm sure I was the main reason for the breakup of our family. I've asked the almighty to forgive and guide me, but I don't know how to get my peers to forgive and forget. Please give me words of encouragement. My self-esteem is so low I don't even think I have any. —Nameless, Oakland, Calif.

NAMELESS: You are not the reason your parents divorced! Your mom and dad were incompatible and would have dissolved their marriage no matter what you did. Teens often hold themselves responsible for their parents' divorce, but it is never the case.

Likewise, you may be exaggerating the extent of your bad reputation, but in any case, please understand that teens, on the whole, are very forgiving. No matter how well-earned your bad reputation may be, you can change it into a positive one. There are three requirements: A commitment to change your lifestyle, the passage of time and guidance from the Almighty.

Since you have already sought that guidance, you're well on your way to becoming "the new you." Focus on who you want to be and start acting accordingly. When your peers see your lifestyle changes and become aware of your positive attitude, they will once again accept you as a friend. It will take some time, but stay with it and you will see results.

Please contact me in a month to keep me posted on your progress. I'm happy you asked for my advice. I care about what happens to you and want you to progress into a well-adjusted, happy teen with a positive self-image. Admitting your mistakes is the first step in overcoming them. Learning from your mistakes is the last step.

YOU SHOULD APPRECIATE THE NEXT DATE

DR. WALLACE: I'm a 17-year-old guy who could use your advice. Sarah and I dated for about six months, but we stopped dating because I wanted to date another girl. We parted as friends and remain friends. Then my best friend, Michael, started dating Sarah and I guess you could say I was envious of him, especially when he told me how great she was, and thanked me for breaking up with her.

Now I'm sorry I broke up with her, and I miss her a lot. I'm not dating anyone at the moment because I'm waiting for my friend and Sarah to break up. Should I tell my best friend and Sarah how I feel, or should I keep my mouth shut and wait? Eventually, they will break up. —Nameless, Geneva, Ill.

NAMELESS: By all means, keep your mouth shut. Your feelings about Sarah are driven by jealousy, plain and simple. Forget about waiting for them to break up — it could be a long wait, and even when (or if) it happens, Sarah may have no interest in renewing a dead relationship. Find a new girlfriend.

The lesson here is that we have to live with the consequences of our actions. Learning this is never easy, but I guarantee you will be far more appreciative of the next young woman you start dating.

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.