DR. WALLACE: I have a new boyfriend, and we've only been out on three dates so far. He seems like a nice enough guy, and we are just starting to get to know each other. Yesterday he suggested something that surprised me. He told me he wanted to take me on an outing a week from Saturday to a public event, but he didn't want to tell me what it was in advance! I tried to get him to give me a few hints, but he wouldn't tell me anything at all.

In fact, he told me that I needed to trust him, as he claimed he would always be looking out for my best interests and I wouldn't have to worry. When I pressed him further, he did give me a few details and claimed we were going to have a memorable time. He said I had to solemnly promise him that I wouldn't ask anything at all anymore before the event. He did mention that it would be "spine-chilling" but that my safety would never be in jeopardy.

I've been puzzling over this now with every free moment I have, but I just can't figure it out. Do you know what he could be referring to here? Should I go or decline his invitation? — Flummoxed by His Vague Invitation, via email

FLUMMOXED BY HIS VAGUE INVITATION: Since we're in the month of May, it's not likely to be a Halloween horror house or anything like that, but it could be some sort of automobile race or daredevil event of some kind. What type of event would make a spine tingle?

I feel it comes down to how much you trust him and what your gut is telling you at this point. It's quite all right to turn him down and explain that you're just getting to know him and would need much more detail before heading off somewhere unknown to you.

On the other hand, if you do trust him explicitly, you could plan to attend the event, but I would highly advise that you make sure to let your parents and even a few friends know who you'll be with and roughly where you're going, at least in terms of direction. Also, make sure you have your cellphone with you at all times in case you need a ride home at any point.

You could take a look around local newspapers, magazines, the internet and social media to see if there's anything interesting planned within a 200-mile radius of your home city that qualifies as such an event. You can also ask around to some of his friends and acquaintances about what types of events he likes to attend, what his hobbies are and any special interests he may have. This may shed light on possibilities, but the decision lies in your gut.

I JUST FOUND MY NEWEST PASSION

DR. WALLACE: I'm 15 and a guy who really enjoys the outdoors and sports. But my interests are more nontraditional in that I'm not interested in playing on the football, basketball or baseball teams at my school. I prefer mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing and things of that nature.

I have a good friend who has an older brother who is 21 and a college student. This friend's brother is training for a triathlon, and I think that's a really cool thing. He even invited me and his brother to go to the event this summer that he'll be participating in.

I already know that I would love to participate in a triathlon someday. Do you think at the age of 15 I'm too young to start training for a triathlon? I have excellent stamina already, and I'm pretty darn athletic in terms of biking, hiking, climbing and anything to do with the outdoors. — A Triathlon Is My Next Goal, via email

A TRIATHLON IS MY NEXT GOAL: As a former high school coach, I heartily approve and encourage you to do whatever training you're able to do at this stage of your life. Make sure your parents understand what you're up to, and be sure you don't overdo it at first, as it's better to ease into this type of training gradually. Sounds to me that the cycling and running parts are going to be lined up in your favor, based upon your experience and endurance.

Therefore, take some time now to work on swimming, and focus first on swimming only short distances but doing so with impeccable technique. Seek out one of the swim coaches or swimmers at your school, if your school has such a program. In any event, find someone who has been there before and knows how to swim properly, especially when it comes to distance swimming. If you can build up your swimming endurance gradually, while starting first with nearly perfect technique, your efforts will go a long way toward preparing you to achieve your ultimate goal.

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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