DR. WALLACE: I'm 20 and dating a super guy. We met at a mutual friend's birthday party a year ago, and it was love at first sight. I honestly believe that someday, after we finish college, we'll get married. This guy is the answer to every girl's dream. He has a wonderful personality and a great sense of humor and is highly compassionate. He is also handsome, intelligent and plays the piano beautifully.

Some of my friends and family members make snide remarks about his height. I'm 5 feet 8 inches tall, and he measures out at 5 feet 6 inches tall. They overlook his wonderful qualities and focus on his height.

Jerry is aware that people make comments about me being taller, but it doesn't bother him. He even insists that I wear high heels when we dress up for a date. However, I'm the one who feels self-conscious.

Will I eventually get over this very stupid feeling? When we're alone, I never feel this way. It's only when we're in public and I think people are staring at us, or when a family member or friend makes an insensitive remark, that I get a twinge of self-consciousness. —Nameless, Portland, Maine

NAMELESS: I'm sorry to hear that a few insensitive idiots are causing you such unnecessary discomfort. When people stare, it's natural to feel self-conscious. Fortunately, your boyfriend is relaxed about it. Now it's your turn to relax. Jerry is a keeper. Be thankful that you will marry him and live happily ever after.

GRANDMA CALLS ME A SKINNY MINNIE

DR. WALLACE: I'm 16, play soccer and tennis and work hard to maintain a trim, healthy body. I eat properly and exercise daily. I'm 5 feet 4 inches tall and weigh 109 pounds.

My grandmother keeps telling my parents that I look anemic and sickly. That simply is not true. I'm a healthy, vibrant and very happy teenager. I'm getting tired of being called "Skinny Minnie" by my grandmother. My mother is a bit overweight, but my father has a slim build. I'm sure my grandmother makes fun of me because I look more like my father than my mother, who happens to be her daughter.

What can I do to get my grandmother to stop making rude remarks about my body build? My mother has never referred to me as "Skinny Minnie." I hate the word skinny. —Hannah, Magnolia, Ga.

HANNAH: Insulting words can be extremely hurtful, especially when they come from such a close relative. Grandma's rudeness is definitely out of control. Maybe you can defuse it with a sense of humor. For instance, the next time she calls you "Skinny Minnie," just smile and say, "Thanks, Grandmother. I'll take that as a compliment." If this doesn't work, talk to Mom and let her know how deeply such remarks are hurting you.

I'm with you regarding the word "skinny." It's mean-spirited and should be replaced with "slim" or "slender."

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.