DR. WALLACE: Alan and I have been dating for about five months. For the first three months, things were wonderful. I thought I had found the perfect guy. Jeff is very handsome and a good athlete. He has a great sense of humor and is a very bright guy and treated me with respect.

Then all of a sudden he changed. He started saying bad things to me and used filthy language. I can't begin to tell you all the nasty things he said about me. Saying that I was a filthy pig was one of his nicer comments.

I keep waiting for him to get out of this funk, but it hasn't happened so far. At one time, a few months ago, I thought that I was falling in love with him. Now I think that love has faded. Still, somewhere in my mind, I get the feeling that if I stop seeing him, he will change and some other girl will wind up with a wonderful guy. Help! —Nameless, Jacksonville, Fla.

NAMELESS: My guess is that the "real" Jeff emerged after several months because he was secure enough in the relationship to believe you were his. I advise you to stop seeing him immediately. He has crossed the line and violated all respect. Chances are if he does change it will be for the worse — possibly into a full-fledged abuser.

Jeff's next girlfriend will no doubt also think she's getting a wonderful guy, but believe me it won't last. He may need psychiatric help.

IT'S OK TO BE A VEGETARIAN

DR. WALLACE: I am an active 14-year-old girl. For the past several months, I have avoided animal products, including all kinds of meat and cheese. I'm not a 100 percent vegan because, occasionally, I'll have a bit of ice cream for certain occasions.

My aunt has told my parents that being 99 percent vegan is not healthy for a growing teen. Our P.E. teacher told our class about the advantages of avoiding animal products, so I asked her again about teens becoming vegetarians, and she said avoiding animal products is helpful, not harmful. Do you know if this is true or not? —Nameless, Nashville, Tenn.

NAMELESS: A well-balanced diet void of meat, but one that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, including leafy greens, whole grains and legumes, is perfectly appropriate for growing teens, according to Suzanne Havala, a nutritionist for the Vegetarian Resource Group (www.vrg.org). All information released by the group has the approval of medical doctors and nutritionists.

YOUR MOTHER WILL BE YOUR BEST FRIEND

DR. WALLACE: I'm 19 years old and was dating a guy who is 22. He was constantly telling me how much he loved me and how beautiful I was, especially during romantic moments.

Now I don't see him any more because he refuses to return my calls and emails because I'm pregnant. I don't want an abortion, but I don't know what to do. My parents don't know about my situation, and I'm afraid to tell them. Please help. —Nameless, El Paso, Tex.

NAMELESS: Your parents will find out sooner or later that you are pregnant, so have the courage to tell them immediately. After the first moment of hurt, your mother will know exactly what to do, and she will be your best friend through this.

You cannot handle your problem by yourself. There are so many things to discuss and things to do that the sooner you start, the better for everyone.

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.