DR. WALLACE: I'm a 17-year-old girl, but I'm not interested in dating at this time in my life. I'm really into my studies and my music is also very important to me, so dating is just going to have to wait until I'm ready.

My aunt seems to be worried about this because when she visited us last week she asked my mom why I wasn't dating and suggested that I may have a psychological problem because most 17-year-old girls are dating.

This had never occurred to me. Do you think this is possible? — Nameless, Newark, N.J.

NAMELESS: Your aunt is sounding a false alarm. You're an independent young woman who thinks for herself. That does not constitute having a psychological problem! No teen should ever feel pressured to start dating before he or she is ready to date. That's your decision, and you will know when you're ready to start dating.

ALWAYS HAVE FAITH IN YOUR ABILITIES

DR. WALLACE: When I started high school I tried out for the school play a couple of times my first two years, but I didn't make it. Now that I'm in the 11th grade I would like to try out again, but I'd be very disappointed if I was left out for the third time. My parents are encouraging me to give it a try one more time.

What do you think? I have performed in several productions at my church, and everybody thought I did very well and told me I was a good actress. — Abby, Denver, Colo.

ABBY: Don't give up! I know it's frustrating not to make the cut, but all successful people have to endure disappointment from time to time.

I suggest that you speak with the teacher who is directing the play. Tell him or her you plan to try out for the production and ask which part might best suit you. Make sure you tell the director you're an experienced actress and have appeared in several plays.

Always have faith in your abilities. When Elvis Presley started singing professionally, he was told by a record company executive that he didn't have a "marketable" singing voice — and should go back to driving a truck! Nor were the Beatles an immediate hit. Five record companies, including Decca and Columbia, thought they couldn't succeed as a musical group and didn't offer them a contract.

But Elvis and the Beatles had lots of faith and succeeded! So can you!

THE MEDICAL BILLS BELONG TO YOUR PARENTS

DR. WALLACE: Last Saturday, a couple of my friends and I were playing basketball in the driveway at a friend's house. Our games tend to get a little rough and this time I fell to the cement while trying to rebound a missed shot. Everybody thought I broke my left arm, but it turned out that the bone in my arm was only cracked. However, the doctor put a cast on it to protect it from further injury while it heals.

The medical expenses were almost $800, and my parents do not carry medical insurance on me because they are both self-employed. Since I want to go to college, I've saved over $1,000 that I've earned from part-time jobs. I don't think that I should have to pay this bill, but my parents think I should. We are not really rich, but we are far from being on welfare! — Scott, Mesa, Ariz.

SCOTT: The responsibility for paying the medical bills belongs to your parents. Unless they're destitute, they should do so without raiding your bank account. They are the ones who took the gamble not to have medical insurance.

Your frugality in saving more than $1,000 should not be a factor in their decision. If you had spent your earnings foolishly and saved nothing, your parents would have to foot the bill. You shouldn't be punished for saving your money.

You also could check with your friend's parents to see if they have insurance that might pay for some, or all, of your medical expenses since you were injured on their property.

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.

Photo credit: Daniel Lobo