DR. WALLACE: My boyfriend is a good guy and is very popular at school. He is an all-league football player and will probably get a college scholarship to play football. He is also a good student and a caring human being. But sometimes I get the feeling that he is too caring.

Whenever we are at an after-school function (dance, pep rally, play practice, etc.) he talks to a lot of girls. That I don't mind, but what makes me angry is that he feels he has to put his arm around their waist or shoulders when he is talking to them. What makes me super angry is that these girls seem to enjoy it. If a guy other than my boyfriend came up to me and put an arm around my shoulders or waist, I would move away and say, "Excuse me!"

I've asked him to stop putting an arm around the girls he's talking with and to confine himself to smiling at them. When I discuss this with him, he always says, "I'm just a friendly guy and putting an arm around a girl shows it."

What can I do to make him stop putting his arm around other girls and save this "friendly" habit just for me? I could reciprocate by hugging guys I talk with, but that's not me. I only want to put my arms around my guy.

Other than this little irritation, this guy is perfect, and I have no fear that he would be seeing any of the "touchees" behind my back. I've been told that I'm a better-looking girl than he is a boy, and he is super good-looking! In other words, I wouldn't have a problem getting another guy if I wanted to! —Dawn, Pittsburgh, Pa.

DAWN: Relax and stop trying to change "your guy." Since his touching habit is friendly and innocuous, there's no reason for you to be so "touchy" about it. If he puts his arm around other girls, but only has eyes for you — he's a keeper!

Indulging the green-eyed monster, "Jealousy," will do nothing but make you miserable.

SHOULD I ASK MY AUNT ABOUT THE "FACTS OF LIFE?"

DR. WALLACE: I'm 13 and would like to find out some information on the "facts of life." I've asked my mother several times to talk to me about things I want to know, but she always says, "In due time. You are too young for all that sex talk." I can't talk to anyone at my school since we don't have any sex education classes because I attend a Christian school and discussing sex is not permitted. We are told that sex discussion should be held with our parents.

My mom's younger sister is 19 and has had a few steady boyfriends, so she should know how to answer my questions. If my mother continues her, "You're too young," response when I want sexual questions answered, would you suggest that I take my questions to my aunt? We are pretty close. —Nameless, Anaheim, Calif.

NAMELESS: Don't go to your aunt for answers. Your mother still is your best source of information. One day, when Mom is in a good frame of mind, tell her that you are well aware of the facts but have a few personal questions. Ask her to please answer them. If she still refuses, ask her to please allow you to talk with your doctor. Don't get Mom upset, but continue "pestering" her until you get your answers.

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.