DR. WALLACE: I'm 18 and a senior in high school. My boyfriend and I have been dating for over two years, and eventually we will get married. Until then, we plan to live together. He is 19 and works in his family's business. I'm a food server in a restaurant, and I make good tips. My boyfriend and I plan to share an apartment in two weeks. We have already purchased furniture and paid the first month's rent and deposit.

My parents are furious that I'm going to live with my boyfriend. All I hear is "I thought we raised you better than that." My dad says that I can do anything I please after I graduate, but until then I'm supposed to live at home under his control.

My boyfriend said he checked around and was sure that we can live together and that my parents can't do anything about it. We are sexually active now, so living together is no big deal. It's just that we chose to spend all of our free time together without outside interference. So, what's the big deal? — Nameless, Galesburg, Ill.

NAMELESS: You are considered an adult and can legally move out of your parents' home without their permission. You're old enough to start making mistakes on your own.

I know you are going to do what you want to do, but I urge you to understand and respect the feelings of your father and mother and to make sure that you graduate from high school. If you leave your home now or after graduation, do your best to leave under the best possible circumstances. Once you are on your own, be sure to keep in close contact with your parents, and don't burn any bridges. Someday, you'll value their blessings and support.

YOU HAVE NO CHOICE

DR. WALLACE: I need your help — immediately, if not sooner! I'm in the 12th grade, and our winter formal is in about four weeks. I was going to take a girl from another high school, but we broke up a few weeks ago, so I asked a girl at my own high school to be my date and she said yes.

Then last night, my ex-girlfriend and I worked things out and we are getting back together. Now she expects to go to the dance with me, and I really want to take her, but I don't know how to tell the girl from my school that she won't be going to the dance with me. Please hurry with your advice — time is running short. — Nameless, St. Paul, Minn.

NAMELESS: To rescind your invitation at this late date would be dishonorable to the extreme. You have no choice. You must take the girl you asked to the dance. Also, treat her with kindness and respect and make sure she has a wonderful time. This is called integrity. No single quality will serve you better throughout your life than this one.

I repeat — You must attend the dance with the girl who said "yes" to your most recent invitation. Your girlfriend functioned quite well when she wasn't seeing you, and she will do well for a few more weeks.

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. E-mail 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.