DR. WALLACE: I'm a girl who's a really good student in high school, but I get so embarrassed when some of my teachers single me out in class for having done good work, or praise me regarding an excellent term paper, for example.

I do take my studies very seriously, and I work hard at them, but when it comes time to receive recognition, I would rather stay in the background and in the shadows rather than have a spotlight put upon me. Why do you think I feel this way about this? Is there anything I can do, since I'm not in control of what my teachers may say in front of a classroom? — I Prefer Less Public Recognition, via email

I PREFER LESS PUBLIC RECOGNITION: You have the type of personality where you don't like to boast, brag or make any situation all about you. This is an admirable trait to have, but only up to a point.

As long as you're not promoting yourself to the detriment of any of your fellow students, you should quietly accept the praise given to you in recognition of both your hard work and the achievements you've accomplished in these classes and on these assignments.

If someone speaks to you later after class about it, you can thank them if they praise you, and also say that you find it slightly embarrassing to be singled out, as this will demonstrate to others that you're not intentionally trying to put a spotlight on yourself.

Working hard and achieving at a high level in academics, sports, personal life, helping others or being a good friend or family member is important. Work hard to tell yourself that you will remain humble when you receive praise but will not cringe when your good accomplishments are pointed out. You deserve them!

I LIKE TO TALK TO ALMOST ANYONE

DR. WALLACE: I'm a first-year college student, and I truly enjoy meeting other students because I currently know only a handful of people on this entire campus. I find it fascinating to learn where other students are from, what their background is and what they're here at this university studying.

Most of my friends find my interests and ability to speak to others, even casual strangers, harmless and even at times even charming. But occasionally, I'll have a romantic interest who does not find it amusing at all that I'm speaking to many people on a regular basis.

I'm not trying to accomplish anything in particular, other than just to make a regular human connection and learn more about this university and my fellow students around me. Do you think I should cut back on being so conversational? — Not Everyone Agrees With My Style, via email

NOT EVERYONE AGREES WITH MY STYLE: I say absolutely not; you have your own unique personality, and it's served you well to this point. It's not like you're chatting up potentially dangerous individuals down dark alleyways in rough parts of your town. You're simply communicating with other college students, having enjoyable conversations and getting to know people.

Believe it or not, this is one of the main reasons for attending college, and several professors will certainly confirm this. That's why so many classrooms openly encourage wide-ranging discussions among the various students on several interesting topics that apply to the curriculum.

From my perspective, any potential romantic interest that is overly trying to crimp your natural conversational tendencies may have issues on their side of the equation, not yours.

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.

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