DR. WALLACE: I'm 20 and have found true love. He is 30, has never been married, and owns the company I work for. We have been seeing each other for over six months and our future together looks great. He has asked me to help him pick out a ring for me. I'm really excited — and I truly love this guy with all my heart.

My only concern is that when I was 15 and living in England and very immature, I got pregnant and my parents insisted I have an abortion. Do you think I should share this information with my future husband?

My best friend thinks it would be better if I got this secret off my chest. She said that if he ever found out that he would drop me. I don't want that to happen. What do you think I should do? — Nameless, Toronto, Ontario

NAMELESS: I discussed this moral issue with the leaders of three different faiths and all three said not to volunteer the information, but if asked, to tell the truth.

Their decision convinced me to agree!

ALL PARENTS HAVE TO LET GO EVENTUALLY

DR. WALLACE: I'm 17 (almost 18) and really confused about my future. My 19-year-old sister ran away from home at 15 and was gone for two months. She came home for about a month, and ran away again for about two years. She returned home on her 18th birthday and my parents were so happy to see her that they got her an apartment and paid six months' rent for her.

I am a good student, have never caused my parents any problems, and would never dream of running away even though I should have. Because of my sister's bad behavior I got the punishment. I'll soon be 18, but I'm not allowed to date, have friends over to our house or be out past 9 in the evening — even on the weekend.

My sister has said that I should move in with her after I graduate and I'm giving it serious consideration. All I would have to do is pay my share of the expenses. My sister has settled down. She has a steady job and a nice guy for a boyfriend. My parents would be very upset if I moved in with my sister.

What should I do? — Nameless, New York, N.Y.

NAMELESS: Given your sister's teenage bad behavior, I can see why your parents are overprotective of you. Unfortunately, this sort of parenting almost always boomerangs. Their restrictions are completely unreasonable and seem guaranteed to force you to rebel, just so you can have a normal social life.

The time has come to have a serious talk with Mom and Dad. If they are unwilling to relax their rules, tell them you plan to move in with your sister once you graduate. Since your sister has settled down, making this move strikes me as a reasonable option for you. I'm not even sure why it would upset your parents. All parents have to let go eventually.

PEER PRESSURE IS MORE DOMINANT

DR. WALLACE: I'm writing a paper in class comparing peer pressure with parental pressure on teens. Which is more dominant? — Sara, Jackson, Miss.

SARA: Peer pressure is more dominant. Teens fear being shunned and want to be accepted by their peers. Many teens will do things they don't feel comfortable with to gain acceptance. That's why it is important for teens to hang out with other teens who have high moral character. They won't be tempted to consume alcohol or experiment with illegal drugs if their friends are drug-and alcohol-free.

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.