DR. WALLACE: a certain boy and I have been "best friends" for over four years. I have liked him very much the entire time, but I have never told him of my feelings even though I have had many opportunities. I just didn't want to risk losing his friendship by coming on too strong. Now that I'm older (15), I want us to be more than just "good friends." We go to different schools, but I see him at least twice a week because we are in the same youth group and have mutual friends.

Sometimes I get the feeling that he feels the same way about me. As a matter of fact, it seems like we have become a lot closer in the past couple of months. I know now that I love him and I hate seeing him with other girls. I want to tell him how I feel, but I still feel I risk the chance of losing a good friend. What should I do? I'd feel stupid if I told him I loved him and he just shooed me along. — Joy, South Bend, Ind.

JOY: I think he'll go out with you. He probably hasn't asked you out yet because... he's afraid that he might lose a good friend.

So by all means, take the initiative and ask him out, preferably to a function at your school (play, dance, sporting event, etc.) Don't mention being in love with him. Allow your actions, not words, to show your feelings for him.

I'M REALLY NOT BEAUTIFUL

DR. WALLACE: My boyfriend says that he loves me and that I'm the only girl he has ever loved, but he says nasty things about me and when we are out with friends, he treats me like dirt. I do like Mario and there are moments when he is sweet. What should I do? I'm really not beautiful so it's not easy for me to find boyfriends. — Rosa, Nogales, Arizona

ROSA: Don't allow yourself to be subjected to this totally unacceptable behavior. Tell Mario that you no longer want to be treated with disrespect and that you will not be seeing him anymore. And mean what you say.

Rosa, you are suffering from a bad case of lack of self-image. You also need a boost in self-esteem. Start by thinking that you are beautiful because you are. Beauty radiates from within. Change your hairstyle and make-up. Smile at everyone you meet and make some new friends. It will take a little time, but when the new you begins to shine, watch out world!

BANK ONE-THIRD OF YOUR EARNINGS

DR. WALLACE: I've just started my first baby-sitting job and really enjoy it. My parents are requesting that I save part of the money I earn for a rainy day, but we can't agree on the percentage I should save. My parents want me to save over 50 percent, which I think is too high. What do you think is a fair percentage to save? Lucy, Reno, Nevada

LUCY: I'll assume the money you keep will not be used to buy clothes or school lunches, but is simply "good old spending money." If that's the case, I recommend that you bank one-third of your earnings.

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.