DR. WALLACE: My very best friend and I have been close ever since first grade. We are now in the 10th grade. About a month ago, we had a huge blowup because she thought that I was flirting with her boyfriend. I would talk with him at school when he was by himself, but I had no romantic interest in him.

A week after our blowup, my friend's boyfriend dropped her and my friend blamed everything on me. I am totally innocent. I wouldn't go out with this guy even if he got down on his knees and begged me.

My friend hasn't talked to me since we had our disagreement. I've tried to talk to her at school, but she just walks away and acts like I don't exist. When I call her, her parents say that she refuses to talk to me. The last time I called, her mother asked me not to call her daughter anymore. I still miss my friend, but I don't know how to get her to talk to me. — Nameless, Orlando, Fla.

NAMELESS: Unfortunately, sometimes we just can't stop a person from jumping to the wrong conclusion, as your best friend has. You've stated your side of the story and she refuses to believe you. This is because she is still feeling great pain over the breakup and blaming someone for it eases the pain a little bit.

It's unfair, and I know this leaves you hurt, angry and frustrated. All I can say is don't force yourself on your friend. It won't do any good. Leave her alone for a while and start doing things with other friends and acquaintances. I have a feeling that when her pain subsides and she sees the situation clearly, she'll realize she has hurt a true friend and make amends.

I DON'T WANT THE TEACHER TO BE UPSET

DR. WALLACE: I received a B on an algebra test because I missed 1 out of 10 problems. But the problem that was marked wrong was actually right. I don't know if the teacher or her assistant corrected the paper. Should I show the teacher that my answer to the problem was right? I don't want the teacher to be upset if she graded my paper. — Nameless, Anaheim, Calif.

NAMELESS: Teachers and their assistants are human and sometimes make mistakes. You earned an A and should be rewarded with an A. Show the teacher your test paper. I'm sure she'll happily correct the error and be pleased that you really earned an A. Teachers love it when students do well on tests. It's a sign that they've done their job.

The bigger lesson here is that, if you are certain you're right and an injustice has occurred, don't be afraid to stand up for yourself.

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.