DR. WALLACE: My boyfriend and I have been dating for over three years. I'm 19 and he's 22. It hasn't been a perfect relationship, but most of the time it's been fun. We're not engaged, but we have discussed marriage. Last week I probably would have married him, but now I'm not so sure.

Two nights ago, we got into a huge argument. I felt that he'd had too much to drink and told him I wasn't riding with him in his car. I struggled, but he was too strong for me. I started screaming at him to let me out and then he hit me twice with his fist, once on the side of my head and the other on my lip. My lip split open and I spilled blood all over my clothes. He then told me to get out of his car so I wouldn't bleed on the seat.

The next day he called and said he was sorry and that he would never hit me again. He said he was under a lot of pressure at work and just "exploded" when I nagged him about drinking too much. I still look like a punching bag today. I've got a red bump on my face and a puffy split lip. He came over to my apartment and was really shocked at my appearance and apologized again for hitting me and said he would never lay a hand on me ever again. He wanted me to go to a movie with him, but somehow I just couldn't. First, I didn't feel like going out with him, and then I was ashamed to be seen in public.

Do you feel that his "explosion" was just a one-time thing, or is it possible that once he has hit me it might just be easier for him to hit me a second time? I would hate to wind up a battered wife. — Ashamed, San Jose, Calif.

ASHAMED: The violence of your boyfriend's attack on you indicates he has both a drinking problem and general emotional troubles, which can't be explained away as "pressure at work." He has a serious need to control your behavior. There's no way to know for sure if he'd ever hit you again, but one battering is too many. What he did to you is unforgivable. Do not wait around to see if he keeps his word. End your relationship with him immediately and permanently! You deserve better.

This guy is a criminal and belongs off the streets. Contact the police and have charges brought against him. You will do a great favor for females who would be unfortunate to date him after you dumped him!

MOMS HAVE DIFFERENT TEMPERAMENTS

DR. WALLACE: My friend and I spend a lot of time at each other's house. When she is at my house my mom is very friendly and makes us laugh, but when I'm at her house, her mom hardly ever speaks to me. I used to think her mom didn't like me, but my friend convinced me that she does. Do you think she is just trying to make me feel good, or is it possible her mom really does like me? — Nameless, Goshen, Ind.

NAMELESS: Moms come in all shapes, sizes and different temperaments. Your mother is outgoing and verbal, while your friend's mom is more quiet and reserved. This doesn't mean she dislikes you; she just doesn't show her affection the way your mother would. The proof is that, if her mom truly disliked you, you wouldn't be spending time with her daughter in her house.

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.