DR. WALLACE: Todd and I have been dating for more than two years, and we both planned that someday we would become husband and wife. I am now 20, and Todd is 22. Last Christmas, Todd gave me a rather expensive ring as a gift. The ring had an emerald mounted on a 14-carat-gold base. It is beautiful, and I was thrilled to receive it. But since receiving the ring, things between us have gone cold.

Todd has accepted a job in Atlanta. I begged him not to take it, but he said that he was going to take it, and if I wanted, I could move to Atlanta, and we could live together. I told him that I wasn't going to Atlanta and that the time had come that our relationship should end.

He agreed and then shocked me by asking me to return the ring he gave me. I told him it was a gift, and I need time to think about returning or keeping it. He said that he wanted it back because the ring belonged to his mother, and he wanted to make sure his wife would eventually wear it.

It is now impossible that Todd and I will ever get married to each other. I can honestly say that at this very moment, I don't like him one bit. Now for my question: Should I keep the gift he gave me, or do you think I should return the ring to him?

If you say to return it, it doesn't mean that I will take your advice. I'm just curious about your decision. —Kelly, Boston, Mass.

KELLY: Why would you want to keep a ring given to you by someone you don't like? Remember, every time you wear it, it will bring back unpleasant memories. Return the ring with a smile, not a frown, on your face! Returning the ring will make your future more enjoyable.

IT'S YOUR NAME, CHANGE IT

DR. WALLACE: I'm in the 11th grade and 17 years old. I don't like my first name at all and plan to have it legally changed before I graduate from high school so that my transcripts and diploma will have my new name instead of the one I despise.

My parents said they didn't care if I changed my name, but my grandmother is adamant that she will disown me if I do this. I was named Bertha, and I want it legally changed to Megan. Oh, yes, I forgot to tell you that I was named after my grandmother. —Bertha/Megan, Chicago, Ill.

BERTHA/MEGAN: Change your name legally to Megan. Grandma will be upset, but it's not her call or her life. My guess is that she'll eventually get over her pique and accept your decision.

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.